Abstract

Several factors contribute to the non-utilization of contraceptives, leading to the risk of unwanted pregnancy and
unsafe abortions. The major objective of this study therefore was to assess the prevalence factors associated with
unmet need for family planning among medical students at Kampala International University Western Campus
(KIU-WC) in Bushenyi District, Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used during the months of
February to November at KIU-WC among female medical Students. Simple random sampling technique was used
and to collect data using validated questionnaires. 360 out of 377 targeted participants were assessed, returning a
response rate of 95.5%. Regular contraceptives use was reported at 32.0%, while up to 68.0% of the study participants
were not regularly using contraceptives. Although most (98.9%) of the medical students at KIU-WC had ever heard
about contraceptives, only a fraction (65.5%) had comprehensive knowledge about the different types, in addition to
having poor knowledge about the scientific basis of conception. The most common contraceptive method used was
the condom (34.4%) followed by safe days/withdrawal method (28.3), oral pills (12.2%), ECP (4.4%), injectables
(2.5%), and lastly implanon (1.4%) while 16.7% used other methods. Reasons cited for choosing one method over
another was safety (38.9%), accessibility (17.8%), affordability (15.0%) and reliability (7.2%). Although students
pursuing a Bachelors in Medicine and Surgery at KIU-WC have adequate knowledge about contraceptives, majority
are not using it due to safety concerns, accessibility and affordability. Further countrywide sensitization majorly
through schools, health care settings, and media should be advocated for and carried out among the student body as
a whole to address the low utilization of family planning methods.