Perspectives on contraceptive use among sexually active adolescents aged 15 -19 years in Kulambiro Village, Nakawa Division- Kampala

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the perspectives on contraceptive use among sexually active adolescent aged 15-19 years in Kulambiro village, Nakawa Division, Kampala. The study was guided by the following specific objectives to; examine the attitudes of sexually active adolescents aged 15-19 years towards modern contraceptive use, identify the common methods of contraceptives used among sexually active adolescents aged 15-19 years in Kulambiro village, Nakawa Division, Kampala, examine the factors that influence contraceptive use among sexually active adolescents aged 15-19 years in Kulambiro village, Nakawa Division, Kampala and to assess the constraints encountered by adolescents using contraceptives in Kulambiro village, Nakawa Division, Kampala. This study used a descriptive research design to explore perspectives on contraceptive use among sexually active adolescents aged 15-19 years in Kulambiro village and to examine the corelationship between study variables, both quantitative and qualitative research approach helped the study to gain a deeper understanding of perspectives. The sample size of the study was determined by use of Yamane‟s formula. The study has found out that socio-demographic characteristics have a significant effect on the use of modern contraceptive. It is also found out that almost all adolescents know different types of contraceptives and make choices based on convenience while the most recognized methods among sexually active adolescents are condoms and abstinence. Factors influencing contraceptive use include availability, quality of services, affordability and social norms and support. It was found out in the study that most of the adolescents use contraceptives because of peer influence and health education from their senior women teachers at schools. Also, it is believed that condoms have a dual purpose of preventing both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The study concluded that Parents‟ reluctance to talk about sexual and reproductive health with their children is a recurring barrier to access contraceptive services. The study recommends improved accessibility and utilization of modern contraceptives by sexually active adolescents by government, but also there is need to educate health service providers about adolescents needs at the health facilities. There is need of informed choices about abstinence, contraception, STI prevention and treatment and pregnancy care. Mass media channels such as radios, newspapers, magazines, and television have been established to have the widest coverage and therefore seem to be a suitable means of reaching out to a large number of people with health information.