Abstract

REIS, Marta  and  MATOS, Margarida Gaspar de. Knowledge and contraceptive attituds in college students. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2007, vol.8, n.2, pp.209-220. ISSN 1645-0086.

The increase in unplanned pregnancies (the rate in Portugal is 19/1000 in 15-19 year-olds), is responsible for ranking young people as an important target group in terms of sexual health prevention. This study tested knowledge and attitude towards contraceptive methods in 18-24 year old college students. Structured self-reported questionnaires were responded by 436 participants (113 college men and 323 college women). Questionnaires assessed knowledge (CKI; Delcampo e Delcampo, 1976) and attitude (CAS; Kyes, 1987) towards contraceptive methods. The findings show the majority has insufficient contraceptive knowledge although they have a strong preventive attitude towards unwanted pregnancy. The results reveal significant variation in responses by gender: college women demonstra ted better knowledge and preventive attitude in relation to contraception.

Keywords : Attitudes; Contraceptive knowledge; Methods; Young.

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