KNOWLEDGE, ATITUDE AND PERCEPTION TOWARDS CONTRACEPTION USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THE BONGO DISTRICT OF THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Background: More recently, contraception has been increasingly studied with regards to adolescent reproductive health. This study sought to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of adolescents on contraception in the Bongo District. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using structured questionnaires. Data was analysed using SPSS software (version 20) at two levels: gender and education. Results: The average age of first intercourse was 15.8 and 15.9 years for the males and females. Approximately, 94.8% males and 91.3% (P< 0.7558) females, compared 95.7% SHS and 80.6% JHS students (P<0.0001). About 19.5% JHS compared to 58.5% SHS student defined STI correctly (P< 0.0001). The common STIs identified by SHS students were: HIV/AIDS (89%), gonorrhoea (73.3%), Chlamydia (34.5%) and Hepatitis B (3.4%), compared to HIV/AIDS (75.9%), gonorrhoea (34.5%), malaria (10.3%) and meningitis (6.9%) for JHS. The commonest source of contraceptives was pharmacy stores (55.8%; P< 0.0001) for males. Approximately, 67.3% females and 70.8% males (P = 0.9042) agreed that contraception is good. Both females (44.1%) and males (40.7%) identified infertility as the commonest side effect of contraception. Both females (23.1%) and males (26.0%) identified contraception as a method that prevents STIs and unwanted pregnancy. Majority {males (93.7%) and females (87.5%)] of the adolescents want sex education and contraceptives information be incorporated into the school curriculum. Conclusion: The respondents had adequate knowledge of contraception with the male condom as the preferred method. Majority of the students suggested that sex education and contraceptives be part of their educational curriculum.