Risky sexual behavior, contraceptive use and pregnancy anxiety among Makerere university students
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Date
2023-10Author
Nantongo, Josephine
Nalwadda, Rene Grace
Namweruka, Daphine Sylvia
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The study sought to investigate the relationships between risky sexual behavior, contraceptive use and pregnancy anxiety among students of Makerere University. The study was conducted at Makerere University where 101 female students aged 18-27 years of age were selected using random sampling. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) was used to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that there was no significant relationship between risky sexual behavior and contraceptive use (r = -.148, p =.139), as well as contraceptive use and pregnancy anxiety (r = -.103, p =.305). However, there was a significant positive relationship between risky sexual behavior and pregnancy anxiety (r= .234*, p=.019). Overall, the results suggest that an increase in risky sexual behavior was associated with increased pregnancy anxiety. Whereas taking risks is typical of young adults who are exploring limits and testing their abilities, risky sexual behavior can result in serious consequences, including unwanted pregnancy and subsequent dropping out of school, and/or abortions, which can result in detrimental health effects including infertility and death. We thus, recommended that the Makerere University student welfare officials and student leaders should sensitize students against risky sexual behavior, promote health behaviors such as contraceptive use, and offer counselling services to minimize on pregnancy-related anxiety.