Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward contraceptive methods among female undergraduate students of Chiang Mai University, Thailand: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective To assess sex activity, knowledge, attitudes and practices of contraception methods among female undergraduates at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Methods Female undergraduate students aged 18–26 years, who were studying for a bachelor's degree between July 1, 2023, and August 31, 2023, were invited to participate in this study. Self-administered anonymous questionnaires were answered by participants via an online platform. Participants were excluded if they did not understand Thai language. The questionnaire consisted of 4 parts (socio-demographic & contraception use, knowledge of contraceptive methods, attitudes, and sources of information.) Results A total of 475 women responded to the questionnaire. Of them 29.2% had sex experience, with significantly lower prevalence among the students in health sciences faculties, when compared with those of non-health sciences (20.6% vs 40.2%; p-value < 0.001). The mean ± SD scores of knowledge of contraceptive methods was 12.84 ± 4.59 (range, 0–24), indicating a medium level. There were only 15.1% of participants were categorized as a high level, while many participants (86.9%) had a positive attitude toward contraceptive methods. Most participants gained contraceptive knowledge from online content from the internet and social media. Conclusion Nearly 30% of the female university students had sex experience, lower than that in most previous studies, with significantly lower prevalence in the group of health sciences faculties. Most female university students had a positive attitude toward contraception uses; however, their knowledge about contraception was relatively limited. Finally, most contraceptive methods used were relatively less effective and theoretically at risk for unintended pregnancy. New knowledge on this issue needs to be encouraged. Establishing user-friendly reproductive and sexual health services may help improve student engagement in contraception methods.