Utilization Of Contraceptives Among Students Of Tertiary Institutions. A Case Study Of Kampala International University-western Campus Ishaka, Busenyi District, Uganda

ABSTRACT Background: Over 100 million acts of sexual intercourse take place each day in the world, resulting in around 3 million conceptions of which 50% are unplanned and 25% definitely unwanted. The proportion of young women reporting unintended pregnancy and unmet need for contraception remains high in developing countries. Unintended pregnancies are associated with increased risk of unsafe abortions, maternal morbidity and mortality. Objectives: The objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of contraceptives use, and the socio-demographic and individual factors which influence the utilization of contraceptives among students of tertiary institutions a case of KIU-WC. Methods: It employed a descriptive, cross sectional study design with a sample size of 330 students from school of Allied Health sciences, faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, faculty of Education, and school of Nursing. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data from the survey were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 20.0). Results: The Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) among post-secondary students was higher than national target of 50% by 2020 and it was associated with a couple of factors including; Student’s age, sex/gender, marital status, academic year of study, religion, knowledge & awareness, preference for contraceptive, affordability, accessibility and availability, easy usability and safety of the a preferred contraceptive method. Better informed students on sexual rights and reproductive health are empowered to use contraceptives more than others. Conclusion/Recommendation: Stake holders should Design, launch and implement inclusive youth friendly services, adolescent sexual and reproductive health programs prioritizing use of contraceptives, students’ empowerment in regard to sexual rights and reproductive health, behavioral change communications, and create enabling environment for contraceptive use.