Knowledge and Attitudes of Female Adolescents’ Regarding Contraceptive Use in one High School in Manzini, Swaziland

Zama Mkhonta; Louise Kaplan; Nomsa N Nxumalo-Magagula,; A Faye; F. A. Gary; C. Zanele; Z. C Mhlongo-Manana; P. Percis; P. P. Khumalo; Ruth N. Mkhonta; Tengetile R. T. R. Mathunjwa-Dlamini,

Zama Mkhonta Washington State University
Louise Kaplan Washington State University
Nomsa N Nxumalo-Magagula, University of Swaziland
A Faye Case Western Reserve University
F. A. Gary Case Western Reserve University
C. Zanele University of Swaziland
Z. C Mhlongo-Manana University of Swaziland
P. Percis University of Swaziland
P. P. Khumalo University of Swaziland
Ruth N. Mkhonta University of Swaziland
Tengetile R. T. R. Mathunjwa-Dlamini, University of Swaziland

Keywords: Knowledge, attitude, adolescents, contraceptive use

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal mortality among adolescents in developing countries. In order to reduce the unintended pregnancies and devastating consequences such as high maternal mortality, dropping out of school, diminished chances for gainful employment opportunities, and the possibility of experiencing numerous vulnerabilities to poverty, contraceptive use has to be prioritized as an intervention in health and education programs. This study examined the knowledge and attitudes of female adolescents regarding contraceptive use in one High School in Manzini, Swaziland.
A quantitative-descriptive approach was utilized. A sample of N=60 adolescent girls was selected by simple probability sampling. All participants were female adolescents aged 15-19 years, and were enrolled in Grade 8 – Grade 10 in one High School in Manzini. A structured questionnaire was used as the measure to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Correlation and Chi-square.
Most (n= 42, 70%) of the participants had good and 30% (n=18) had poor knowledge about contraceptives. A majority (n=46, 76.7%) had negative and 23.3% (n=14) of the participants had positive attitudes towards contraceptives. This study showed a high level of knowledge but negative attitude toward contraceptive use. The findings indicated that there is an association between knowledge and attitude towards contraceptives (X²=21.234, p= 0.047). There was an association between education and knowledge (r=0.322, p = 0.012), reflecting that with an increase in educational level there was increase in knowledge on contraceptive use. Parents must be encouraged to discuss sexual and reproductive health issues with their children from a very young age so that they acquire accurate information before they are exposed to peers.