Current use of modern contraceptives among young people 10 - 24 years in Central and Western Uganda: a...

Despite being the most effective way to prevent unintended pregnancies and related complications, modern contraceptive use in Uganda remains low compared to the national target. We aimed to assess the knowledge and factors associated with the current use of modern contraceptive among young people aged 10-24 in central and western Uganda.

This was a cross-sectional study that collected data from 289 in- and out-of-school young people aged 10-24 years in five districts of western and central Uganda. Modified Poisson regression was used to determine the factors associated with the current use of modern contraceptive use.

Overall, 62.6% (181) of the respondents knew about modern contraceptives. Current use of modern contraceptives was 58.5% (169). Current use of modern contraceptives was associated with being aged 20-24 (Adj. PRR= 0.69, 95%CI; 0.52-0.90), p=0.007; not residing with someone as a sexual partner (Adj. PRR=0.71, 95%CI; 0.57-0.88), p=0.002; and being a student (Adj. PRR=1.37, 95% CI; 1.04-1.79), p=0.023.

Young people aged 10-24 in central and western Uganda were well-informed about modern contraceptives, especially injectables and condoms, but less knowledgeable about emergency contraceptives. Students used modern contraceptives more than non-students, while those aged 20-24 and not cohabiting with partners were less likely to use them. Awareness campaigns for 20-24-year-olds and those living with partners are necessary to increase usage.