Attitude and Perceptions of Contraceptives on Protected Sex Among Youth in Institutions of Higher Learning in Machakos Town , Kenya

Abstract

The research was informed by personal experiences of university students who have conceived while on campus and the fact that they confessed never using any contraceptives. Hence, the researcher wondered why they never thought of using contraception yet they were sexually active and probably they knew chances of conception or getting sexually transmitted infections were very high. Was it because they did not have any contraceptive knowledge or they had the knowledge, but chose not to engage in protective sex. These many questions led the researcher wanting to find out why some university students would choose to indulge in a reckless and risky sexual behaviour. The study therefore sought to explore the attitudes and perceptions of contraceptives on protected sex among youth in institutions of higher learning in Machakos town. The study aimed at establishing contraceptive knowledge among the university students; finding out university students attitude towards contraceptives; establishing the sexual behaviour of the students in relation to protected sex and establishing the influence of contraceptives on protected sex among university students. In the final analysis, it was revealed that the students have a lot of contraceptive knowledge. The students have a negative attitude towards contraceptives and have many myths associated with contraceptives for example, contraceptives lead to barrenness. The students are sexually active; in addition, knowledge has not translated to protective sexual practice among them. Recommendations: The Universities have a responsibility of educating the students regarding contraceptives. This can be done through public lectures and seminars since the students have acknowledged being sexually active. There is need to encourage positive peer pressure by having younger counsellors in the family planning department and VCT centres. Having younger counsellors will help in dissemination of contraceptive information faster to their fellow youths. Hence the reason the students prefer VCT counsellors since they are young and they able to associate with them. The process of acquiring contraceptive information should not be so complicated, since issues of contraceptives are already embarrassing. The Government has a responsibility to educate the citizens regarding contraceptives; this will help in dealing with the stigma and myths associated with contraceptives. It will ensure that the public including students will get correct information.