Knowledge and Preference of Contraceptive Advice to Peers Among First Year Medical Students at a Private University, Malaysia

Authors: Swe Swe Latt, Leela Anthony, Lau Hui Ting, Lim Soo Ping, Lim Ying Xin, Lim Vi-Vian, Ooi Jia Yi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JBCA5

Short DOI: https://doi.org/ggnbs5

Country: Malaysia

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Abstract: The unprotected sexual relationships, limited knowledge and incorrect usage of contraceptive methods increase the risk of teenage pregnancy, unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. This study measured the prevalence of knowledge on different contraceptive methods and preferred methods for friends among first year medical students at a private university. A cross-sectional study with universal sampling was conducted using self-administered questionnaire on six contraceptive methods in April 2017. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge of different methods. Out of 157 respondents, female (68.8%) and male (31.2%) were involved. Most students obtained their first source of information on contraceptive methods from secondary schools (74.5%) and from teachers (68.8%). The percentages of correct answers on knowledge about different contraceptive methods were: condom (92.4%), followed by abstinence (82.8%), oral contraceptive pills (80.3%), hormonal injection (73.9%), withdrawal (73.2%) and emergency OCP (46.5%) respectively. The knowledge on withdrawal method among male students (83.7%) was significantly higher than female students (68.5%) (p= 0.04). Respondents’ choice on most suitable method for friends who came for their advice were condom (51.5%) then OC pill (21.9%), periodic abstinence (10.3%), withdrawal and emergency pill (6.4%) each, hormonal injection (2.1%) and others (1.3%). Respondents’ sufficient knowledge on various contraceptive methods reflects the effectiveness of sexual health education in their secondary schools. Therefore, encouragement on early reproductive health education should be maintained in institutions to prevent unwanted consequences.

Keywords: Contraceptive methods, youth, reproductive health

Paper Id: 608

Published On: 2019-11-03

Published In: Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2019

Cite This: Knowledge and Preference of Contraceptive Advice to Peers Among First Year Medical Students at a Private University, Malaysia - Swe Swe Latt, Leela Anthony, Lau Hui Ting, Lim Soo Ping, Lim Ying Xin, Lim Vi-Vian, Ooi Jia Yi - IJIRMPS Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2019. DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/JBCA5

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