Numerous ongoing cultural beliefs begin at birth and continue throughout various stages of life. Women continue to observe these beliefs not only because they are traditions, but also because they hold meaning for them. This study explores the cultural beliefs and practices of Zulu women during childbirth. One hundred and forty women living in northern Maputaland were purposively selected and interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. The results indicated that all participants in this study were aware of and observed behavioural taboos during childbearing. Furthermore, 63% of the participants observed practices based on spiritual belief. The most widely observed behaviour taboo during pregnancy is that pregnant women are not allowed to attend funerals, while the most cited spiritual ritual is tying a string, given by the church or traditional healer, around the waist as a form of protection for pregnant women. The most practised ritual is that pregnant women burn a herbal plant (impepho) while in labour. After delivery, the most widely performed ritual is tying a goat’s skin (isiphandla) around the newborn baby’s hand. While cultural practices related to pregnancy, labour, and postnatal infant care continue to be observed in Zulu society, it is essential to identify and promote good practices while discouraging harmful ones. Understanding the beliefs and practices of rural Zulu women from a cultural perspective will enable healthcare workers to provide culturally sensitive care and support, thereby improving maternal and child health.
Background: Nurses’ competencies in spiritual care are increasingly in demand in intensive care (ICU) units, yet their perspectives, preparedness and challenges in delivering such care remain unclear.Aim: This qualitative systematic review explores ICU nurses’ understanding and perspectives of spiritual care for critically ill patients.Method/Study Design: Following the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research guidelines, eligible qualitative and mixed-method studies (2016–2025) were included, appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and synthesised using meta-aggregation.Results: Fifteen studies generated seven themes on nurses’ understanding, practices, barriers and facilitators, benefits and strategies for improving spiritual care. Sub-themes addressed individual, patient, family and workplace factors.Conclusion: Nurses’ competencies and delivery of spiritual care need to be enhanced in order to translate the benefits from theory to practice, particularly in critically ill patients.Relevance to Clinical Practice: Nurse-led spiritual care interventions are promising in clinical settings and may improve nurses’ competence in identifying and addressing patients’ spiritual needs.
Background: Nurses often face traumatic events in clinical settings, leading to significant psychological, physical and professional consequences. Understanding their lived experiences, coping strategies, and institutional support is essential for designing effective, culturally sensitive interventions that protect their well-being and promote safe patient care. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of nurses exposed to a traumatic clinical incident, focusing on its psychological, social, and professional impacts, the coping strategies employed, and how institutional and cultural factors influenced their recovery. Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed to explore the experiences of 15 nurses (10 registered and 5 enrolled nurses). Data were gathered through semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify key themes. Results: Five major themes were identified, namely: 1) Mental and physical effects of traumatic exposure (psychological and emotional distress and physical manifestations of trauma); 2) Institutional inadequacy and stigma (lack of support and cultural stigma); 3) Development of coping strategies (peer support and maladaptive coping mechanisms); 4) Call for institutional reforms (need for culturally resonant interventions and leadership accountability and transparency); 5) The imperative for a new professional ethos (redefining professional responsibility and fostering sustainable resilience). Conclusion: This study reveals that the nurses’ lived experiences of trauma include intrusive flashbacks, pervasive guilt, insomnia, and physical symptoms such as chest tightness and appetite loss. While peer support provides some relief, insufficient institutional support and stigma can lead to long‑term issues such as depression. Establishing culturally grounded support systems and promoting accountability are vital for enhancing resilience and ensuring safe patient care.
Substance use among nurses and midwives is escalating globally. Nurses and midwives face numerous workplace challenges and resort to substance use to cope. The specific factors associated with substance use in this population group remain underexplored. The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with substance use among nurses and midwives in referral hospitals. A qualitative, descriptive research design was employed. Based on saturation, a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from purposively selected 38 nurses and midwives working in three referral hospitals. Researchers collected data through interviews, audio-recordings, and field notes. Thematic data analysis was employed using the six steps of the Braun and Clarke process. Nurses and midwives perceive numerous factors as contributing to substance use. Three major themes related to work, psychosocial, and economic factors emerged. Psychological support, recreational activities, and rehabilitation were suggested as ways to assist in curbing substance use behaviours. The results may inform policy development, guidelines, and standard operating procedures to guide nursing practice, protect patient safety, and promote quality care. They will also inform curriculum development to emphasise adaptability and resilience during periods of work stress and hardship. Prevention and rehabilitation interventions to support nurses and midwives are critical in ensuring the safety of patients, nurses, and midwives.
Background: South Africa is considered to have a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which continue to impose a major public health burden. Untreated STIs can lead to long-term, irreversible and potentially fatal outcomes in pregnant women. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of pregnant women in the North West Province (NWP) regarding STIs. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was applied to reach the objective. Five health facilities were selected within one district in the NWP. A self-administered 58-item questionnaire was administered to 151 (n = 151) pregnant women and a 100% response rate was achieved. Data were analysed through inferential and descriptive statistics. Results: The mean knowledge for respondents in this study was 28.35 out of 50 questions. HIV was the most well-known type of STI and trichomoniasis, chlamydia and hepatitis B were the least known. The respondents had the least knowledge regarding transmission of STIs through breastfeeding. Only 21.9% of respondents were aware that STIs could be asymptomatic. Approximately 62.3% of respondents did not know that some STIs could be prevented through vaccination. Conclusion: There is poor knowledge regarding types of STI and more awareness strategies by health professionals are needed. Socio-demographic aspects was a major contributing factor to the poor knowledge regarding the types of STI and method of transmission.
The quality of theoretical assessments in undergraduate nursing education is crucial to shaping students’ clinical reasoning, professional judgment, and overall readiness for professional practice. Despite growing emphasis on competency-based education, persistent challenges, including cognitive misalignment, inconsistent moderation practices, limited assessment literacy, and contextual constraints, continue to undermine the credibility and fairness of these assessments. Aim: To develop and validate evidence-based best-practice guidelines to strengthen the design of theoretical assessments in undergraduate nursing education. Methods: The study was conducted in two sequential phases. The first phase gathered, synthesised, and integrated evidence from a scoping review, moderation report analysis, qualitative interviews with nurse educators, and a student survey. This process generated 13 draft guidelines with 60 operational statements. A Delphi study was used in the second phase to establish expert consensus amongst 15 national and international nursing education experts on the guidelines and operational statements. Consensus was set at ≥80% agreement on clarity, relevance, and applicability. Results: All guidelines achieved consensus in the Delphi study. The validated guidelines emphasise the need for assessments based on cognitive taxonomy principles; constructive alignment to enhance theory-practice integration; adherence to core assessment principles; and institutional responsibility for educator development and quality assurance. Conclusion: The guidelines provide structured guidance to enhance the validity, fairness, and contextual responsiveness of theoretical assessment design. When implemented, they have the potential to strengthen quality assurance processes and advance equitable, competency-driven nursing education in South Africa.
The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus resulted in substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a marked increase in hospitalisations and in-hospital deaths. This study investigated the relationship between in-hospital mortality and various risk factors among patients admitted directly in COVID-19 isolation ward. Individual-related factors included pre-existing comorbidities such as renal disease, HIV and tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and stroke. Human resources-related factors encompassed staff challenges, including an inadequate number of doctors and nurses, absenteeism among healthcare workers and a lack of adequately trained nursing staff. Organisational-related factors comprised medical supply and services constraints, including shortages of oxygen, the absence of an on-site laboratory and prolonged laboratory turnaround times. This study underscores the multifaceted nature of factors contributing to patient mortality in a resource-constrained setting. Addressing these risk factors is critical for improving patient outcomes and implementing effective interventions.
Introduction: There are several obstacles to applying Ubuntu principles in the treatment of childhood illness, including a lack of understanding of the concept, cultural disparities, and limitations of the healthcare system. Promoting respect for children's rights, family involvement, and integrating Ubuntu into Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) by registered nurses can improve patient care and potentially increase treatment adherence and outcomes. Therefore, including Ubuntu in IMCI is crucial to a successful, culturally aware approach to paediatric healthcare. Methods: The study employed an exploratory descriptive approach. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data collection was done through focus group interviews. A study was conducted in specific primary health care facilities, such as community health centres and clinics, located in the Mafikeng sub-district of the North West Province. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The study revealed two themes and their sub-themes: registered nurses' views on barriers to incorporating Ubuntu principles into IMCI and registered nurses' views on facilitators of Ubuntu principles Conclusion: Registered nurses recognise a significant opportunity to improve holistic care by incorporating Ubuntu principles, which emphasise compassion, connectivity, and community solidarity in the management of childhood illness. In the end, nurses can be empowered to provide care that not only heals disease but also fosters the child's well-being within the larger human and communal context by strengthening these enablers and removing impediments. Contribution: The study will contribute to more knowledge on incorporating Ubuntu principles into IMCI
Reusable menstrual pads (RMPs) offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to disposable products, with potential health, environmental and financial benefits. This study aims to explore the nuanced experiences, perceptions and attitudes of female students regarding RMPs, and also the emotional and psychological impact of RMPs on these students in Kano, Nigeria. A narrative inquiry approach was used, following COREQ guidelines for rigorous qualitative reporting. The study was conducted among 21 female students in public secondary schools in Kano State, Nigeria. In-depth interviews, guided by a semi-structured protocol adapted from prior studies explored the participants’ experiences with RMPs. Purposive sampling ensured diverse perspectives, and data saturation was achieved after 21 interviews. The data were analysed through Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, allowing for a detailed exploration of the participants’ experiences. Four main themes emerged: (1) perceived nuisance of usage – initial discomfort and challenges with washing and drying; (2) the positive journey with RMPs; the participants reported improved comfort, economic benefits and environmental consciousness over the course of time; (3) challenges in transition – barriers such as hygiene in public settings and cultural taboos; and (4) environmental and spiritual implications – a sense of responsibility to reduce waste, aligning with the participants’ values of sustainable health practices. The findings from this study highlight the nuanced journey of adopting RMPs, revealing a trajectory that blends initial hesitations with positive long-term experiences. The participants cited improved comfort, economic savings and environmental benefits, which align well with broader studies on sustainable menstrual products.
Mobile applications are increasingly used in clinical education and can enhance nursing training by supporting self-directed learning and clinical competence. Smartphones provide access to integrated theory, simulation and clinical content through multimedia resources that support skills development and diverse learning styles. This study assessed undergraduate nursing students’ use of mobile applications during clinical training using a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative design among 128 students at a university in South Africa. A 13-item questionnaire assessed participants’ use of mobile applications. Ethical approval and permission were obtained from the relevant authorities. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, allowing for assessment of participants’ use of mobile applications in clinical training. Most students reported good computer skills and owned smartphones. Perceived usefulness of mobile applications was high, and most were willing to use a university-specific application. Barriers included security concerns, costs, infrastructure limitations, technical challenges and limited training. Findings indicate strong readiness, although targeted support and improved infrastructure are needed.
Background: Although midwifery professionals markedly enhance outcomes for mothers and newborns, uneven or informal mentorship frameworks frequently impede their advanced abilities. The absence of organised, competency-based mentorship hinders the application of theoretical knowledge in clinical practice in resource-constrained maternity settings, thus impacting professional growth and service quality. Objective: This systematic review sought to synthesise qualitative research about the tactics, facilitating variables, and obstacles affecting mentoring programmes for midwife experts. The evaluation aimed to deliver practical insights to guide policy and practice for successful mentoring, sustained competency development, and professional advancement in advanced midwifery. Methods: A qualitative systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed throughout PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and relevant grey literature sources. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 that provide qualitative data on structured mentorship or formal preceptorship for midwifery professionals were included. The data extraction focused on mentorship strategies, contextual factors, enabling mechanisms, challenges, and results. A thorough assessment of methodological quality was conducted using theCritical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) standards for qualitative research. Results: Nineteen qualitative studies were included, indicating that structured mentorship enhances intrapartum assessment, emergency response readiness, and reflective clinical decision-making. Successful programmes were characterised by observation, simulation-based learning, continuous feedback, and reflective practices. Facilitating factors included comprehensive mentor training, specified mentoring intervals, and psychologically safe feedback settings. Organisational support, encompassing workload adjustments, simulation resources, and alignment with quality improvement initiatives, facilitated programme fidelity. Governance mechanisms, like mentor credentialing, accountability frameworks, and competency hierarchies, promoted sustainability and consistency among healthcare organisations. Conclusion: Structured mentorship, when contextually adapted and reinforced by organisational support and governance, constitutes a replicable approach to improving midwife specialist competencies and care quality. The review recommends implementing national mentorship frameworks, protected mentoring time, and multi-level accountability mechanisms to institutionalise mentorship. Future research should explore alternative models, cost-effectiveness, and equity-focused adaptations to strengthen maternal and neonatal outcomes across diverse contexts.
Health disparities are a major public health issue, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Nurses are frontline healthcare professionals ensuring access to suitable healthcare, yet disparities in healthcare outcomes persist among various groups. This scoping review aimed to examine nurses’ roles in reducing health disparities in primary health care settings. The Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Scoping Reviews was followed, and it complies with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Databases were searched for peer-reviewed empirical articles in English that were limited to less than ten years. The review scoped 30 articles. A qualitative thematic for analysis was employed. The review identified nursing roles in reducing health disparities across individual, system, community, and patient levels. Nurses play a crucial role in delivering quality care and reducing disparities. It emphasised key contributions to high-quality, patient-centred care and improved health outcomes, including cultural competency, stakeholder collaboration, effective communication, policy review, community health programmes, and understanding social determinants of health. The findings of this study point out the key role of the nursing workforce in advancing health equity. Furthermore, it highlights the need to strengthen support, training, and policy frameworks that enable nurses to address and reduce health disparities in health facilities.
Background: Midwife-led maternity care emphasises continuity of care, reduced medical intervention, and improved maternal outcomes. Despite global evidence supporting its effectiveness, documentation of its utilisation in Nigeria is limited. This study assessed the utilisation of midwife-led maternity care and identified factors associated with its utilisation among pregnant women and recently delivered mothers receiving skilled care in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative research design was adopted. A total of 260 participants were selected from Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital and the University College Hospital, Ibadan, using a stratified proportionate sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise utilisation patterns, while logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with utilisation at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 30 ± 4 years, with the majority being married (244; 93.8%) and having tertiary education (161; 61.9%). More than half of the participants (163; 62.7%) reported receiving midwife-led care during their most recent pregnancy, with utilisation highest during delivery (163; 62.7%) but markedly lower during antenatal (92; 35.4%) and postnatal (32; 12.3%) periods. Based on a composite utilisation score across all care stages, the majority of participants (156; 60%) were classified as having low overall utilisation. Logistic regression analysis revealed that distance to the nearest midwife-led facility (p = 0.002) and family or spousal support (p < 0.001) were significant predictors of utilisation, while cost, quality of care, accessibility, and religion showed no statistically significant association. Recommendation: Strengthening community-based midwifery services, improving geographical access, and promoting family-inclusive maternal health education are recommended to enhance sustained utilisation of midwife-led maternity care in Ibadan.
A persistent gap in structured support for caregivers of patients after a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) underscores the need for robust caregiver support strategies to strengthen post-stroke care. This study aims to explore and describe caregivers’ experiences in caring for patients after a CVA to strengthen post-stroke care. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used. The target population consisted of family members who were caregivers for patients with CVA in the Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province. A purposive and convenience sampling technique was used to select participants. Ethical clearance was obtained from the College of Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee of UNISA. Similarly, permission to carry out this study was obtained from the Department of Health. Informed consent was obtained from participants. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, and data collection continued until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using Tesch’s approach to open coding. Five themes emerged: physical challenges, emotional challenges, lack of resources, Support for caregivers of patients after a CVA, and recommendations to enhance support for caregivers of patients after a CVA. The study identified unmet caregivers’ needs related to psychological support, financial assistance, and transportation, contributing to emotional distress. This study contributes to post-stroke care by providing context-specific evidence to guide nursing practice. The findings were disseminated to relevant stakeholders to inform service delivery. Addressing these gaps strengthens caregivers' support and well-being. Recommendation: Nurses should integrate structured counselling for caregivers of patients after a CVA into routine post-stroke care.
The quality of student clinical training has become a critical focus in the health sector worldwide. Effective clinical teaching and learning of student nurses plays a pivotal role in their acquisition of necessary clinical competencies. It remains crucial that qualified nurses advocate for a supportive and conducive clinical teaching and learning environment to ensure the effective transmission of clinical knowledge and skills to student nurses, despite the several challenges faced by healthcare facilities. This study investigated the factors affecting the quality of student nurse clinical training at a university teaching hospital in Namibia. The study revealed that student overcrowding limits clinical learning opportunities, especially when the hospital is also grappling with limited staff and resources. Nursing staff shortages can compromise the quality of the supervision and mentorship due to work overload and time constraints. This study makes recommendations that can be used to formulate intervention strategies to improve quality of nursing care. Nursing students can be prepared for their future role as professional registered nurses when factors affecting the quality of clinical training has been identified and mitigated.
Background: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) seeks to ensure equitable access to quality health services without financial hardship. Progress toward UHC had slowed prior to COVID-19, and the pandemic further exposed systemic gaps. Strengthening resilient health systems is therefore critical to advancing the UHC agenda. Aim: This study explored health system challenges and service delivery innovations implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, focusing on nurse managers’ experiences in sustaining healthcare delivery. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was employed to capture the lived experiences of nurse managers involved in the COVID-19 response. The study was conducted across two central hospitals and 19 city health facilities. Ten participants were recruited, with the sample size determined by data saturation. Data was collected using in‑depth telephone interviews and was analysed using Colaizzi’s method. Results: Three overarching themes emerged: (1) material resource inadequacy, including shortages of oxygen, medicines, and personal protective equipment; (2) human resource constraints, marked by workforce shortages, illness-related absenteeism, and redeployments; and (3) healthcare service delivery adaptations. Despite significant pressures, nurses demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Innovations included dedicated COVID-19 centres, quarantine wards, specialised contact tracing teams, and pooled resource strategies that enhanced efficiency and continuity of care. Collaboration among the Ministry of Health, local authorities, and partners strengthened coordination, surveillance, and response mechanisms. Conclusion: The study highlights the pivotal role of nurses’ resilience, resource readiness, and collaborative systems in sustaining healthcare delivery during crises. Findings provide insights for future preparedness and health system strengthening to advance resilience and UHC.
Background: Quality nursing care remains the cornerstone of any nation. Since its independence, Namibia has shown a strong commitment to quality nursing care. However, multiple factors can affect the quality of nursing in hospitals. In Namibia, there is a lack of research on factors that affect the quality of nursing care. Objective and setting: The objective of this study was to explore the factors affecting the quality of nursing care at an intermediate hospital in the north-east of Namibia. Method: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was employed. The participants included registered nurses and enrolled nurses. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 15 participants and analysed using the six steps of Braun and Clarke (2019), through which three main themes and 16 sub-themes emerged, providing in-depth insights into factors influencing nursing care quality. Results: Three main themes emerged: conceptual understanding of quality nursing care, systemic barriers affecting care delivery, and recommendations for improvement. Key barriers included staff shortages, financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, limited training opportunities, and low staff motivation. Conclusion: The findings revealed a significant decline in the quality of nursing care at Rundu Intermediate Hospital in the north-eastern region of Namibia. As one of the most visible functions of the health system, nursing care is under increasing strain, driven by shifting demographics, limited resources, and rising patient expectations. This study’s findings provided context-specific insights that can inform policy as well as the development of strategies and ongoing targeted interventions to address the challenges affecting the quality of nursing care in Namibia and similar settings.
Mental illness is one of the chronic illnesses which require support from caregivers throughout the life trajectory of clients. Caregivers meet a lot of psychosocial challenges in the process of caring for clients. Despite experiencing psychosocial challenges, caregivers are not supported in their role. This study explored the experiences and support needs of caregivers of clients diagnosed with mental illness regarding compliance to psychotropic drugs at Mangochi District Hospital in Malawi. The study found that caregiver experiences related to cultural beliefs, false perceptions of the mental well-being, stigma, relapse of the patients’ condition and frequent hospitalisation. In addition, it showed that caregivers lacked knowledge on the importance of drug compliance, resources and accessibility to the services.
Background: Maternal mental health impacts caregiving, attachment and feeding practices. There is limited literature available on the influence of maternal mental health on feeding choices, specifically in peri-urban townships such as Khayelitsha. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the mental health status of mothers and their infants' feeding choices attending a primary healthcare centre in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Methods: This longitudinal prospective study consisted of two phases and included mothers with infants aged 0-8 weeks (Phase 1) and then followed up at 14-24 weeks (Phase 2). Maternal mental health was screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 screening tools, which are validated for use in South Africa. Infant anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were recorded and interpreted using z-scores. Results: A sample of 121 mother-infant dyads was recruited for this study. Exclusive breastfeeding rates, while initially high during Phase 1 (n=91, 75.2%), declined by Phase 2 (n=63, 58.3%). Of the participants recruited, 18.2% (n=22) opted to exclusively formula feed their infants at Phase 1; this number increased to 31.5% (n=34) by Phase 2. Among those who opted for mixed feeding at Phase 2 (n=11), 81.8% (n=9) provided both breast milk and infant formula. Probable maternal anxiety rates were 28.9% (Phase 1: n=35) and 14.9% (Phase 2: n=16). Maternal probable anxiety did not influence feeding practices (p=0.953). Probable depression rates were very low in this cohort (Phase 1: 0%; Phase 2: 1.9%). Infant growth outcomes highlighted stunting (Phase 1: n=36, 39.2%; Phase 2: n=21, 19.4%) and being overweight or obese accounted for 25.6% (n=31) at Phase 1 and 13.89% (n=15) at Phase 2. Conclusion: In this cohort of mothers, symptoms of anxiety were common, while probable depression was infrequent. No significant association was identified between maternal mental health status and infant feeding choices across the study period. This study reinforces the importance of integrating maternal mental health support in routine primary healthcare services.
Background: Unintended pregnancy remains a major public health concern among young adults globally and in South Africa. Despite increased access to contraceptives and reproductive health education, inconsistent contraceptive use persists among university students. Evidence suggests that knowledge does not always translate into sustained contraceptive practice. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and contraceptive practices among undergraduate students and examine associations with selected demographic characteristics. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among 400 undergraduate students aged ≥18 years. A stratified sampling framework by campus was applied; however, participants were ultimately recruited using convenience sampling at five campus health clinics. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire aligned with the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) framework. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis (p < 0.05). Results: High contraceptive knowledge (98.2%) and generally positive attitudes were observed. However, contraceptive use remained suboptimal, with 62.1% reporting ever use and 44.0% current use. Fear of side effects, misconceptions, and socio-cultural influences were key barriers. Significant associations were found between contraceptive use and gender and relationship status (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A clear knowledge-practice gap exists. Interventions should address misconceptions, socio-cultural influences, and behavioural factors beyond knowledge provision.
