Factors facilitating and inhibiting contraceptive use among White University students in Durban South Africa.

Abstract

Worldwide, governments have made an increasing effort in providing contraceptives and ensuring greater access and availability of a range of contraceptive methods. According to the World Health Organization the promotion of family planning to essential for improving maternal health and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The low contraceptive rate among sub-Saharan countries is concerning especially for young women. In South Africa research suggests that fertility has been declining steadily over the past few decades and contraception is a major factor contributing to this decline. National surveys suggest that among White South Africans contraceptive use is high. However, there has been limited focus on the contraceptive use of Whites. Various studies give us a picture of the attitudes of Africans towards contraceptives. The aim of this study is to shed insights into contraceptive use of young white, university students in Durban. For this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain data. The semi-structured interviews were held with 10 White, female students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. The findings of this study indicated that high level of awareness about contraceptives facilitates contraceptive use. Young women stated they obtained information about contraceptives from their doctors. Health benefits was the main reason for contraceptive use. Although doctors were an important source of information, communication with their parents also influenced their contraceptive use. The women also reported partner communication about contraception. The study suggests the need for early parent-child communication in facilitating contraceptive use. Furthermore, the study suggests improved interpersonal communication between health workers and young people about a range of contraceptives. Male involvement is essential in ensuring good reproductive health outcomes and partner communication is also likely to influence contraceptive use