A study on medical students of knowledge regarding contraception

A. Pătrașcu, A. M. Gogănău, M. Dumitrescu, R. Iovan, C. M. Damian, B. V. Cotoi, C. Achim

Abstract: Adolescent sexual activity, early pregnancy, induced abortion and increased human immunodeficiency virus infection have become a major concern nowadays. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for disruption of education, future unemployment and poor mental health. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and practice of contraception among faculty students from Craiova the capital city of south-west Romania. A descriptive study, using a pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and practice of contraception among 266 women students from faculty of medical assistance (72.93%), midwives (19.17%) and balneo-physiokinetotherapy (7.89%) aged between 19 and 47 years. This set of questions was completed willingly, anonymously and with the subject’s consent to use the results for improving the faculty curricula. A total of 266 questionnaires were returned in good order. Analysis of data obtained showed that 77.14% of students have a stable partner, 20.71% presented a history of gynecological conditions, most often with inflammatory pelvic processes, 1.07% suffered from sexual disease and 37% have never carried out a bacteriological examination of the vaginal pathology. As far as the reasons for choosing one method or another, the data reveal that the choice of the contraceptive method was based on the fact that it is a practical method (44%), it has been recommended by someone (14%) or other method being unknown 3%. About 46.43% do not used contraceptive methods in comparison with 50.71% who used it. Awareness and use of contraception among faculty students in Craiova was low. There is a growing need to educate adolescents about the use of contraception and we encourage the health education program to sustain the incorporation into faculties’ curricula information’s regarding knowledge and practice of contraception.
DOI:10.18643/gieu.2013.60

Keywords: contraception, contraceptive methods, emergency contraception