Abstract

This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, practices and other factors associated with
the use of contraceptive methods among students of certificate in nursing aged 18-24 years
at KIU-W.C, Bushenyi District in Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used
during February – June 2022 at Kampala International University Western Campus among
Students pursuing a certificate of Nursing within the age bracket of 18-24 years excluding all
those not pursuing a certificate in nursing, the critically ill, discontinued and those in dead
semesters; 377 participants as sample size were selected using a simple random sampling
technique and using Kirsch and Leslie formula making Questionnaires were used and
collected data was entered into IBM SPSS – 20 for comprehensive analysis. Out of 377 targeted
participants, 360 participants were conveniently accessible; however, 359 respondents gave
an appropriate response while 1(0.3%) respondent did not answer making a response rate of
99.7%.of these, 32.0% (115) respondents agreed to be using Contraceptives whereas the
majority 246 participants disagreed implying they were not using contraceptives, these
makes 68.0% of the accessed respondents 84.4% respondents had heard about and were
aware of Contraceptives use even though 65.5% report that they know how to use
contraceptive; only 32.0% (115) respondents agreed to be using Contraceptives. Of these,
71.4% (257) of the respondents had ever been educated or trained concerning contraceptives
use mostly from school (43.6%), Health care Providers (26.7%), Friend/peer or from media
[(Radio, TV, Social media0; 10.6%].52.3% think it is a right; 71.7% think that women (21.1%)
and men (3.3%) should decide to use contraception.68.0% do not use contraception but the
majority is 64 people (17.8%).84.4% of KIU-WC nursing students have knowledge about
contraceptive use. 65.5% know how to use contraception. Condoms (34.4%) remain the top
choice due to their effectiveness (46.1%), followed by safe days/quit methods 28.3%, oral
medications (12.2%), ECP (4.4%), injections (2.5%) and finally implants (1.4%) while 16.7% used
other methods. Students studying for a nursing certificate at KIU-WC have extensive
knowledge about the use of contraceptives, how to use them and where to buy them, but the
majority do not use them, and a few use them. Contraception is only to prevent pregnancy
and stimulate the fetus. Some consider them a preventative measure against STD/HIV. There
is a need to propagate and carry out further awareness raising, mainly through schools,
medical facilities and media among students, especially nursing students of KIU-WC, as well
as the entire community. Dong (nationwide); to address low levels of use, but many people
still have sex, as this study shows.