Knowledge and Use of Contraceptive Methods among Students of a Peruvian Public University

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge and the use of contraceptive methods among students of a public Peruvian university.

Methods: Descriptive, observational, prospective, and cross-sectional research with a correlational design involving 350 Peruvian students. A questionnaire was used to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge and the use of contraceptive methods, classifying knowledge levels as high, medium, and low based on an interpretation scale. Data were processed using the SPSS version 25 statistical software and Excel version 2019.

Results: A high percentage of students with "High" and "Low" knowledge use contraceptive methods, those with "Medium" knowledge showed a lower rate. No significant correlation was found between the level of knowledge and the effective use of contraceptives. Approximately 39.1% of students have a "High" level of knowledge, while 23.3% have a "Low" level. Regarding the use of contraceptive methods, 75.9% of Education students use them, but there is still a 24.1% who do not. When analyzing specific knowledge, areas for improvement were identified in "Natural Methods" and "Hormonal Methods."

Conclusions: Despite a considerable level of knowledge about contraceptive methods, there are challenges in translating that knowledge into effective practices. It is essential to strengthen sexual education, considering contextual and sociocultural factors, and to design appropriate educational strategies to promote informed and responsible reproductive health.