Knowledge, attitudes and practices of contraceptive methods among women seeking voluntary termination of pregnancy at Jubilee Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction. There is an alarmingly high rate of women in South Africa, who are of childbearing age, who still opt for abortions or Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (VTOP). Despite the availability of free contraceptive methods and health education in all health facilities across the country, to reduce and prevent unwanted pregnancies and VTOP there is still an alarming increase in the rate of VTOP. This study sought to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of contraceptive methods among women seeking voluntary termination of pregnancy at Jubilee Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa.

Methods. A across-sectional survey using a piloted, structured and self- administered questionnaire. Convenience sampling was applied and the sample size was 126.

Result.  The mean age of the 126 participants was 26.1 years. Findings obtained after analysis of participants’ data were grouped following the university categorisation. Below 50% referred as “poor” outcome, from 50 to 74% was referred as “satisfactory” outcome and beyond 74% was considered as “excellent” outcome. Knowledge was poor for 28 (22.2%) of women. It was satisfactory for 91 (72.2%) women and excellent for 7 (5.5%) women. Looking at the attitude: 124 (98.4%) approved the use of contraception, 1 (0.79%) disapproved and 1 (0,79%) abstained due to religious beliefs. Regarding the practice of contraception: 92 (73.0%) have already used contraceptive methods while 34 (27.0%) have not.

Conclusion: In summary, the study showed a satisfactory knowledge of contraceptive methods, a positive attitude towards contraception and a huge number of participants who have already used contraceptive methods, among women seeking voluntary termination of pregnancy at Jubilee Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa.