Knowledge of the methods of fertility control in young people

Abstract

This study investigated young people's knowledge on the methods of fertility control. The objectives were to explore what young men and women know about the different methods of birth control, to identify the sources from which young people get information about birth control, to identify which source of information they consider being the most effective and to identify if they would like to be informed on fertility control methods. A descriptive design was adopted by using quantitative data. Data was collected through structured questionnaires from 24 female and 6 male participants as first year Nursing students at the Institute of Health Care. Participants aged between 17 and 21 years were conveniently chosen. Overall results show that the participants had poor knowledge on the methods of fertility control. Most participants were knowledgeable about female sterilization and least knowledgeable about injectable contraception and contraceptive implants. Findings suggest that some participants were interested to know about this topic and were keen to receive information about it. It is recommended that accurate information should be available to adolescents at an early age, before sexual activity actually commences, and made available to them through the sources adolescents commonly resort to and find most effective. It is also recommended that the information be relayed by members in whom young people themselves believe and confide.