Knowledge on contraceptive methods among student nurses at College of Nursing, Batticaloa

Abstract

Background: As a solution for rapidly increasing world population density family planning is a major concern nowadays. Health care providers play an integral part in educating and providing information regarding contraceptive methods. This study aimed to assess knowledge about contraceptive methods among student Nurses at College of Nursing, Batticaloa.Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge about contraceptive methods among student Nurses at College of Nursing, Batticaloa.Method: A Cross Sectional Descriptive study was conducted among 150 student Nurses at Nursing Training School, Batticaloa to assess the knowledge about contraceptive methods among them. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data on knowledge regarding contraceptive methods, their complications and side effects. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS v.21). Knowledge level graded to 100%. Significant level of knowledge analyzed using chi-square test.Results: A total of 150 student Nurses participated. Students had satisfactory knowledge on contraceptive methods (127; 84.7%.) Only 4.0% of students have a good knowledge while 11.3% students have a poor knowledge. Sixty seven percentage of students knew that contraceptive methods are used to reduce unintended pregnancies. Few students 38 (24.8%) knew that sexual transmitted diseases can be prevented by contraceptives. Vasectomy was the permanent contraceptive method reported by 73.5% of students followed by female sterilization (12.2%).Most of the students 121(57.1%) knew that condom is a temporary contraceptive method. Intrauterine devices and implants were reported as temporary method by 39.3% and 14.7% of students respectively. 40.7% of students considered that progesterone is the only pills as emergency contraceptive method. Surprisingly high percentage of students (55.7%) suggested condom as emergency contraceptives. Knowledge regarding contraindications and side effects of contraceptive methods show relatively lesser percentage.Conclusion: The study confirms that even though the knowledge among students was marginally good and they had some gaps regarding specific aspects such as contraindications and side effects.