Knowledge and Opinions of Turkish University Students About Contraceptive Methods and Emergency Contraception

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and opinions of university students about contraceptive methods and emergency contraception (EC). The study comprised 1,689 students who volunteered to participate in the study and were selected from among students studying in two different universities in the 2007-2008 semester. Data were collected on a form that was developed by researchers. The chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis of the data. Oral contraceptive pills (93%), condoms (91.3%), IUDs (Intra Uterine Device) (76.6%) and the withdrawal method (56.8%) were in the lead amongst the contraceptive methods on which students had information. Twenty-nine percent of the students had heard of the concept of EC and 79.8% of those defined the concept accurately. Out of the total student sample, 38.7% stated that they had no information about the methods used for the purpose of EC. 89.6% of the students were of the opinion that every individual should have information about contraceptive methods. Turkish university students were found to be aware of many contraceptive methods; in addition, the opinions of the young university students relating to family planning were positive.