Adongo, P. B.Komey, L.University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health2017-02-062017-10-142017-02-062017-10-142016-07http://197.255.68.203/handle/123456789/21520Thesis (MPH) - University of Ghana, 2016It has become very necessary to study seemingly increasing rate of negative sexual behaviour among adolescents. In the Ghanaian society, many adolescents are ignorant of the various forms of contraceptive methods available and how they are effectively used, despite significant numbers being sexually active. This study seeks to understand the factors that influence the knowledge, attitude and perception of contraceptives amongst second cycle institutions in the Adentan Municipality. The study is a cross sectional design, which employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 307 students made up of 140(45.6%) males and 167(54.4%) females aged 14 – 19 participated in the study A self-administered questionnaire was used in obtaining data on the knowledge, perception and attitude of students. The data was processed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS software. Three focused group discussions were held in the two schools. The descriptive analysis of the qualitative data was coded in themes according to the study objectives. The results showed that the male student had a better knowledge of contraceptives and their use as against the females; the variance in the means for second cycle male students (M = 19.80, SD = 3.87) and the female second cycle students (M = 18.47, X, SD =3.87) on their knowledge of contraceptive use had a statistical difference of (t (305) = 0.02, p<0.05). From this study, it was observed that Students who lived with both parents had better knowledge of contraceptive use as compared to their mates staying with just a parent. For students living with their mothers alone (p = 0.042), Father alone (p = 0.006) and for those living alone (p = 0 .02). Findings from this data collected showed, and held a substantial positive correlation between an individual’s knowledge and perception towards contraceptive use. r (306) =.117*, p = .005. Again, a noteworthy positive correlation was seen between the form one and two respondents and their perception towards the use of contraceptives respectively. R (306) = 0.130, p = .005 Results from this study showed that, the fact that adolescent knew what contraceptives were did not mean they knew how they were supposed to be used correctly. Again, findings from the study indicated that participants are reckless with their attitude towards contraceptives and sexual reproductive related issues. They had little or no fear for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Misperceptions tended to cloud the judgment of adolescents towards contraceptives, thus serving as a barrier to the use of contraceptives. From this study, clearly there is a need for right interventions to be put in place in order to bridge the gap between the knowledge, attitude, and perception of contraceptive use. Adolescent friendly facilities must be established across the country to help adolescents make informed choices pertaining to sex and their reproductive health.X, 72p, illenThesisUniversity of Ghana