Attitudes to, and Knowledge and Use of Contraception among Female Learners Attending a High School in Mdantsane

Abstract

In an effort to reduce learners’ pregnancies, the government introduced various interventions in schools such as life skills and HIV/AIDS programmes. In addition there are also clinics, television, radio and internet that provide information about HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. However, despite these interventions and information about HIV/AIDS, pregnancies among female learners have continued to increase. The purpose of this study was to attain an understanding of knowledge, attitudes and use of contraception among learners attending a high school in Mdantsane. A quantitative, descriptive survey was conducted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which was self-administered to 150 female learners. When the learners were asked about their understanding of contraception, 86.67% understood it as prevention of pregnancy and 8.67% understood it as prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. About 66.3% of learners had positive attitudes to contraceptives and 77.27% were using injectable contraceptives. The main cited reason for stopping the use of contraception was the side effects. Given the main used type of contraception and reason for discontinuation, learners need to be educated about the mechanism of contraceptives and side effects associated with them. In addition, more contraceptive options should be offered to learners.