Predictors of contraceptive use among students of Gulu University

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide contraceptive prevalence among young people is estimated at 64%. In Uganda, contraceptive prevalence among sexually active unmarried women aged 20-24years is 55.6%. Objective: To establish prevalence and predictors of contraceptive use among students of Gulu University to contribute to a reduction in the high unwanted pregnancy rate. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out in Gulu University. A total of 424 students were proportionately sampled from six faculties in Gulu University. Twelve key informant interviews were also conducted. Quantitative data were captured using Epi info TM 7 software and analyzed using STATA 14 software package. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of contraceptive use. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The prevalence of contraceptive was 76.9% among sexually active female respondents. Nearly two thirds of the respondents (60.5%) were currently in a sexual relationship. The vast majority of respondents (97.9%) knew at least one method of contraception. The most preferred contraceptive method was condoms (70.0%). About two in ten respondents (18.1%) and eight in ten respondents (82.5%) had appropriate knowledge on use of contraceptive pills and condoms respectively. This was in agreement with key informants who highlighted inappropriate use of contraceptives amount students. Peer discussion about contraceptive use was a significant predictor of contraceptive use (AOR= 5.74, 95% CI= 1.190-27.645). Females six times more likely to use modern methods of contraceptives other condoms compared to natural methods (AOR= 5.80, 95% CI= 1.818-18.510). Respondents were also more likely to use condoms in the absence of provider concerns (AOR= 13.34, 95% CI= 2.828-63.012). Monthly sexual activity was a significant predictor of condom use as compared to other modern methods (AOR= 9.00, 95% CI= 1.526-53.083). Conclusions and Recommendations: There was good knowledge of contraceptives among students with Condoms being the most preferred method. Appropriate use of effective modern methods of contraception among University students was low and could be responsible for the high unwanted pregnancy rate among students. The main predictors of contraceptive use were; peer discussion of contraceptive use, absence of provider concerns, frequency of sexual activity and being female. There is need to educate students on responsible sexual behavior and use of effective contraceptives. The ministry of health and contraceptive providers need to enhance their contraceptive programs to improve peer discussion and use of effective modern contraceptives among young educated youth.