Contraceptive Utilization Patterns Among Students in a Selected University in Kenya

Abstract

Contraceptive utilization patterns among students in higher learning institutions is a paramount area of study because it has been understudied. Young womeninhigher learning institutions are likely to have unintended pregnancies and are also likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases due to risky sexual behavioursobserved in this population. This study sought to assess the utilization patterns of contraceptives among students in a selected University in Kenya. The studyemployed a cross-sectional design and data was collected using of self-administered structured questionnaire. The study population were all the students of theUniversity of Kabianga, and stratified random sampling was applied to obtain a sample of 360 participants from the study population of 8000 students. Data wereanalysed using SPSS version 29 through descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. The study revealed that awareness of contraceptives was nearly universal among the study participants. The male condoms were the most frequently used method (53.3%), followed by implants(11.7%) and birth control pills (11.1%). Other methods, such as injectable and emergency contraceptives, were used by 10.9% and 10.3%of the respondents, respectively. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) were the least utilized contraceptives, with only 2.5% usage. Despite experiencing some side effects, including abnormal menstrual patterns (27.8%), headaches (18.3%), and mood swings (17.8%), most students continued using contraceptives. Notably, 9.6%of users reportedexperiencing no side effects. There were no statistically significant associations between contraceptive use and the socio-demographic variables examined. Across all academic years, usage ranged narrowed from 83.8% to 84.8%, with no significant differences (p = 0.996). Other variables such as parity (p =0.918), abortion history (p = 1.000), residence (p = 1.000), ethnicity (p = 1.000), and religion (p = 0.954) also showed no significant influence. This study establishedthat contraceptive utilization among university students was high, with male condoms being the most preferred method. The study concluded that while contraceptiveuse was high, greater attention should be given to addressing barriers such as side effects, misinformation, and access to long-acting methods. The studyrecommended enhancing comprehensive access, awareness, and acceptability of Long-Acting and Clinical-Based Contraceptive methods among students, Strengthening Comprehensive Support Systems for managing contraceptive side effects so as to improve continuity and satisfaction, Sustaining and enhancingcomprehensive, inclusive, and student-centred contraceptives and education.