Knowledge, attitude and practices towards the use of modern contraceptives among adolescents aged 15-19 years in Nwoya district.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the knowledge, attitude and practices towards the use of modern contraceptives among adolescents aged 15-19 years in Nwoya district. The study used a cross-sectional research design. Secondary data which was obtained from UBOS (2016) was used in the study. This data was collected using a multi-stage stratified design. The data was analyzed using STATA software version 15. The data was analyzed was analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. The univariate analysis consisted of descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to test a statistically significant relationship between the dependent and the dependent variable at a 5% level of significance. Binary logistic regression was fitted for multivariate analysis. Findings from the study revealed that adolescents in Nwoya district who knew ways of avoiding pregnancy were more likely to use modern contraceptives than those who didn't know/had no response to knowing ways of avoiding pregnancy. Concerning the safety of modern contraceptives, the adolescents in Nwoya who agreed that modern contraceptives are more likely to use modern contraceptives than adolescents who couldn’t decide whether modern contraceptives are safe. Regarding the number of children to have, the respondents discussed the number of children to have were more likely to use modern. Contraceptives than respondents who couldn't decide. The odds slightly dropped for adolescents who didn't discuss the number of children to have. The study recommends that the local government and NGOS continue to educate and create more awareness of the different methods of modern contraceptives through mass media such as radio, television newspapers, and using Village Health Teams. These actions will enable adolescents to trust the safety of modern contraceptives. During antenatal care visits, adolescent couples should be encouraged to adopt modern contraceptives as this helps them produce children that they can be able to care for.