Knowledge, attitudes and practices on contraceptive use among young people in selected universities in Zimbabwe

Contraception is vital, not only because of the statistical evidence on utilisation of the services by women, but for economic and societal reasons. Uptake and use of contraceptives among youth in Zimbabwe is low at 12% for the 15-19 years and 49% for the 20-24 years compared to 67% of all married women in the country. Unmet need for family planning remains high at 13% (15-19 years) and 10.4% (20-24 years) compared to 10% among all women in Zimbabwe. Students in tertiary institutions are within these age groups and use of contraception among them is vital. The study was conducted to explore the knowledge level, attitudes and practices among young people towards the use of contraceptives in purposively selected universities. A mixed method approach using both qualitative and quantitative research design was used. Data was collected from 537 female students aged 18-24 years using structured questionnaires. Twenty Key informant interviews and 12 focus group discussions with bouth young males and females were conducted. Quantitative data was cleaned and analysed using STATA while content analysis was used for qualitative data. Ninety five percent (95%) of the young women in tertiary institutions had ever heard of contraception and 27% had ever used contraceptives. Students had myths and misconceptions regarding use of contraceptives including causing cancers, infertility in future and unbearable side effects. The pill was the most common contraceptive method known (85%). Religion and the involvement of family members, peers as well as other relatives were among the factors contributing to barriers of FP services uptake. The study has provided evidence that awareness on contraceptives among young people in tertiary institutions, does not necessarily lead to increased uptake. Educational campaigns with emphasis on the benefits of contraception will help reduce misconceptions and increase access and utilization of family planning services among the tertiary institution students.