Knowledge of, and factors associated with current use of modern contraceptives among young people 10 - 24years in central and western Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Although modern contraceptives are the most effective way for averting unintended pregnancies and related adverse reproductive events for the mother and baby, their use in Uganda remains low compared to the national target for the year 2020. Adolescents and young people start using modern contraceptives at 23.8 years, yet most of them have had sexual intercourse by age 16. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge of, and factors associated with the current use of modern contraceptives among young people 10–24 years in central and western Uganda. Methods This was a cross cross-sectional study. Data was collected from 289 in- and out-of-school young people aged 10–24 years in five districts of western and central Uganda between July and August 2020. Digital questionnaires designed in Census and Survey Processing System (CSPro) version 7.5.1 were used. Data was transferred to Stata 15.1 for analysis. Modified Poisson regression at bivariable and multivariable analysis was used to determine the factors associated with modern contraceptive use. Results About 62.6% of the respondents had high knowledge of modern contraceptives. Most respondents were highly knowledgeable on injectable contraceptives 278 (96.2%) and male condoms (96.5%). Emergency contraceptives were known by only 138 (47.8%) of the respondents. In addition, the current use of modern contraceptives was 58.5% (169). Modern contraceptive use was significantly associated with being aged 20–24 years (Adj. PRR = 0.69, 95%CI; 0.52–0.90), p = 0.007; not residing with someone as a sexual partner (Adj. PRR = 0.71, 95%CI; 0.57–0.88), p = 0.002; and being a student (Adj. PRR = 1.37, 95% CI; 1.04–1.79), p = 0.023. Conclusion Young people 10–24 years in central and western Uganda were highly knowledgeable about modern contraceptives, particularly injectables, and condoms, but least knowledgeable about emergency contraceptives. Respondents who were students compared to non-students were more likely to be using modern contraceptives, while those aged 20–24 years and those not staying with their sexual partners were less likely to use modern contraceptives. Awareness campaigns among young people aged 20–24 years and those co-residing with a sexual partner will be necessary to improve modern contraceptive use among young people aged 10–24 years.