Knowledge and Barriers to Contraceptive Use among In-School Adolescent in Adaklu District

Abstract

Background: Non-use of contraceptive have received a global recognition, but despite the danger of an unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease adolescent rarely use contraceptives. Promoting contraceptive use among adolescent has become a major challenge even though it has proven to reduce maternal and child mortality, teenage pregnancy and STDs. In spite of it, enormous benefit contraceptive uptake among adolescent still remains low. Objective: The main objective of the study is to investigate knowledge and barriers to contraceptive use among in-school adolescents in Adaklu district. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design using quantitative research tools. The systematic random sampling procedure was used to recruit 280 in-school adolescent age 12-19 years. Data from the administered questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS version 23 with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05. Result: The study found that the knowledge of contraceptive use among in-school adolescent is high 88%, but only 18% knew more than two methods of contraception. Prevalence of contraceptive use was 18%. A binary logistics regression revealed that only traditional religion (P=0.038) was significantly associated with contraceptive use compared to Christians. The major barrier to contraceptive use was fear of side effect, afraid of being seen by a parent, cost of procuring contraceptives, religion and lack of knowledge on how to use contraceptive properly. Conclusion: There should be a collaboration between the ministries of health and education to promote all-inclusive education on contraception to help adolescent take control over and improve their lives.