Background: Modern contraceptive remain vital in reducing unintended pregnancies and promoting reproductive health. However, knowledge, attitude and intentions regarding their use vary among young people, particularly students in health training institutions. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding modern contraceptive use among nursing and midwifery students at SDA NMTC, Asamang. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 students using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of association with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents (69.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, while only 10.2% exhibited poor knowledge. Most respondents (70.5%) held positive attitudes toward contraceptive use. More than half expressed an intention to use contraceptives in the near future (53.6%) though fewer were willing to commit to consistent use (33.4%). Marital status (χ2 = 6.972, p = 0.008), academic programme (χ2 = 8.260, p = 0.004), and academic level (χ2 = 23.922, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with contraceptive intention, while age was not (p = 0.184). Conclusion: The study demonstrated generally high knowledge and positive attitudes toward modern contraceptives among respondents, yet intentions for consistent use remain low.
| Published in | American Journal of Health Research (Volume 13, Issue 5) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.ajhr.20251305.13 |
| Page(s) | 272-280 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Modern Contraceptives, Knowledge, Attitude, Intention, Nursing Students, Midwifery Students, Ghana
Variable | Frequency (n) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
Age (years) | ||
18-21 | 101 | 34.5 |
22-25 | 144 | 49.1 |
Above 25 | 48 | 16.4 |
Marital status | ||
Single | 286 | 97.6 |
Married | 7 | 2.4 |
Programme | ||
Nursing | 148 | 50.5 |
Midwifery | 145 | 49.5 |
Level | ||
100 | 98 | 33.4 |
200 | 98 | 33.4 |
300 | 97 | 33.2 |
Variable | N | % |
|---|---|---|
Formal Education on Modern Contraceptives | ||
Yes | 274 | 93.5% |
No | 19 | 6.5% |
Source of Information on Modern Contraceptives (multiple response) | ||
Classroom lectures | 242 | 82.6% |
Clinical practice | 103 | 35.2% |
Social media | 147 | 50.2% |
Friends/Peers | 104 | 35.5% |
Healthcare professionals | 128 | 43.7% |
Known Modern Contraceptive Methods (multiple response) | ||
Oral contraceptive pills | 221 | 75.4% |
Condoms (male/female) | 171 | 58.4% |
Intrauterine device (IUD) | 145 | 49.5% |
Injectable contraceptives | 134 | 45.7% |
Implants | 115 | 39.2% |
Traditional/Natural methods | 77 | 26.3% |
Primary Function of Modern Contraceptives | ||
Prevention of pregnancy | 143 | 48.8% |
Prevention of STIs | 101 | 34.5% |
Both A and B | 49 | 16.7% |
Perceived Effectiveness of Modern Contraceptives | ||
Very effective | 113 | 38.6% |
Somewhat effective | 118 | 40.3% |
Not effective | 23 | 7.8% |
Not sure | 39 | 13.3% |
Time Frames for contraceptive effectiveness | ||
24 hours | 132 | 45.1% |
48 hours | 59 | 20.1% |
72 hours | 73 | 24.9% |
5 days | 29 | 9.9% |
Knowledge score | ||
Good (KS≥12) | 204 | 69.6% |
Fair (KS<12≥8) | 59 | 20.2 |
Poor (KS<8) | 30 | 10.2 |
Statement | Strongly Agree | Agree | Neutral | Disagree | Strongly Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modern contraceptives are essential for preventing unintended pregnancies. | 161 (54.9%) | 88 (30.0%) | 29 (9.9%) | 8 (2.7%) | 7 (2.4%) |
The use of contraceptives should be encouraged among young people. | 132 (45.1%) | 102 (34.8%) | 37 (12.6%) | 15 (5.1%) | 7 (2.4%) |
Contraceptive use promotes promiscuity among young adults. | 44 (15.0%) | 59 (20.0%) | 73 (25.0%) | 73 (25.0%) | 44 (15.0%) |
I feel comfortable discussing contraceptive options with my peers. | 117 (39.9%) | 73 (24.9%) | 44 (15.0%) | 31 (10.6%) | 28 (9.6%) |
Religious beliefs influence my opinion on contraceptive use. | 96 (32.8%) | 61 (20.8%) | 84 (28.7%) | 43 (14.7%) | 9 (3.1%) |
I believe healthcare professionals should provide more education on modern | 137 (46.8%) | 103 (35.2%) | 29 (9.9%) | 17 (5.8%) | 7 (2.4%) |
Statement | Response | |
|---|---|---|
Yes (%) | No (%) | |
Am willing to start using contraceptive in my next sexual Intercourse | 111 (37.9%) | 182 (62.1) |
I will consider the use of contraceptive at least once in every few times I have sexual intercourse | 174 (59.4%) | 119 (40.6) |
Am considering using contraceptive within the next 6 months | 108 (36.9%) | 185 (63.1%) |
I will ensure the usage of contraceptive in every sexual intercourse am engaged in | 98 (33.4%) | 195 (66.6%) |
I intend using contraceptive in the nearest future | 157 (53.6%) | 136 (46.4%) |
I cannot use contraceptive no matter what | 103 (35.2%) | 190 (64.8%) |
Variables | Intention to use | Chi-square (x2) | p-value | Cramér’s V | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | No | |||||
Demographic Age | 18-21 | 31 | 70 | 3.387 | .184 | .108 |
22-25 | 60 | 84 | ||||
Above 25 | 20 | 28 | ||||
Marital status | Single | 105 | 181 | 6.972 | .008 | .154 |
Married | 6 | 1 | ||||
Programme | Nursing | 68 | 80 | 8.260 | .004 | .168 |
Midwifery | 43 | 102 | ||||
Level | 100 | 39 | 59 | 23.922 | .000 | .286 |
200 | 58 | 55 | ||||
300 | 14 | 68 | ||||
LMICs | Low- and Middle-Income Countries |
NMTC | Nursing and Midwifery Training College |
SDA | Seventh-Day Adventist |
SDG | Sustainable Development Goal |
| [1] | Mazza, D., & Botfield, J. R. (2022). Sexual and Reproductive Health. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, 40(05/06), 227-228. |
| [2] | United Nations. (2017). Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 3 — Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. United Nations. Retrieved from |
| [3] | Chandra-Mouli, V., & Akwara, E. (2020). Improving access to and use of contraception by adolescents: What progress has been made, what lessons have been learnt, and what are the implications for action? Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 66, 107-118. |
| [4] | Ghana Health Service (GHS), (2023). Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2022: Key indicators report. GHS. |
| [5] | Ősz, B. E., Ștefănescu, R., Tero-Vescan, A., Sălcudean, A., Boca, C. D., Jîtcă, G., & Vari, C. E. (2021). Medical knowledge, religious beliefs, and free will: attitudes and opinions of various undergraduate female respondents regarding oral contraception. A Questionnaire-Based study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(7), 3502. |
| [6] | Soin, K. S., Yeh, P. T., Gaffield, M. E., Ge, C., & Kennedy, C. E. (2022). Health workers’ values and preferences regarding contraceptive methods globally: a systematic review. Contraception, 111, 61-70. |
| [7] | Brown, K. S. (Ed.). (2025). Women’s Reproductive and Sexual Health. Taylor & Francis. |
| [8] | Akunvane, R., Badzi, C. D., Ampimah, B. C., & Annan, E. (2024). Attitudes and Social Norms Influencing Adolescents’ Contraception Utilisation in Bongo District, Ghana. Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 11(2), 282-294. |
| [9] | Issah, H., Salifu, A., & Awal, I. (2022). Knowledge of contraceptives, knowledge of types, and identified challenges to contraceptives use among undergraduate nursing students in the university for development studies. Open Access Library Journal, 9(3), 1-15. |
| [10] | Kish, L. (1965). Sampling organizations and groups of unequal sizes. American sociological review, 564-572. |
| [11] | Der, A. D., & Tarkang, E. E. (2023). Knowledge, Attitude and Utilisation of Modern Contraceptives among Female Senior High School Students in the Kpando Municipality, Ghana. medRxiv. |
| [12] | Adeniji, O. I., & Adeniji, A. (2024). Factors affecting the use of modern contraception among women of reproductive age in Odigbo local government area, Ondo state, Nigeria. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 13(6), 1404-1408. |
| [13] | Yimer, B. T., Atsbeha, B. W., & Getaw, N. S. (2017). Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptives among female university students in ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 9(1), 12. |
| [14] | Oonyu, J. C. (2020). Contraceptive knowledge and practices of undergraduate female students at Makerere University, Uganda. Women's Reproductive Health, 7(1), 60-72. |
| [15] | Kainja Malota, J. (2019). Knowledge, attitude, and practices of the youth on emergency contraceptive pills at selected family planning clinics in Lilongwe (Doctoral dissertation). |
| [16] | Abdul-Manan, S., Abukari, A., Nukpezah, R. N., Adadow, Y., & Owusu-Marfo, J. (2023). Prevalence of emergency contraceptive use and associated determinants among Senior High Students in Yendi Municipal of Northern Ghana. |
| [17] | Mekonnen, A. B., Odo, D. B., & Nigatu, D. (2022). Adolescents’ Contraceptive Uptake in Ethiopia: A Meta-Analysis. BioMed Research International, 2022, 1-7. |
| [18] | Ojo, O. Y., Adeniran, A., Oluwole, E. O., Olutoba, A. P., & Adewole, S. R. (2023). Corrigendum: Sexual behaviour and uptake of modern contraceptives among adolescents in public secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria. African Journal of Health Sciences, 35(6), 783-797. |
| [19] | Kabagenyi, A., Reid, A., Ntozi, J., & Atuyambe, L. (2016). Socio-cultural inhibitors to use of modern contraceptive techniques in rural Uganda: a qualitative study. The Pan African Medical Journal, 25, 78. |
| [20] | Ugwu, N. H., Igwe, I., Nwokeoma, B. N., Ajuzie, H. D., Iwuamadi, K. C., Ezike, S. C., & Madukwe, C. I. (2022). Adolescents’ knowledge and use of sexual and reproductive health services in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 26(6), 80-88. |
| [21] | Tamida, A. A. (2024). Utilization of Contraceptives and Associated Factors among Students of Kampala International University-Western Campus Ishaka, Bushenyi District, Uganda. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIJRMS), 5(1), 50-57. |
| [22] | Nyarko, S. H. (2015). Prevalence and correlates of contraceptive use among female adolescents in Ghana. BMC women's health, 15(1), 60. |
| [23] | Nakyeyune, L. M. (2018). Utilization of contraceptives and the associated factors among students of Kampala International University western campus ishaka-Busenyi District Uganda. |
| [24] | Budu, E., Ahinkorah, B. O., Seidu, A. A., Armah-Ansah, E. K., Salihu, T., Aboagye, R. G., & Yaya, S. (2022). Intention to use contraceptives among married and cohabiting women in sub-saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of cross-sectional data. BMJ open, 12(11), e060073. |
| [25] | Ahinkorah, B. O., Budu, E., Aboagye, R. G., Agbaglo, E., Arthur-Holmes, F., Adu, C., & Seidu, A. A. (2021). Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among women with no fertility intention in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from cross-sectional surveys of 29 countries. Contraception and reproductive medicine, 6(1), 22. |
| [26] | Abewa, T., Addis, A., Asmamaw, D. B., Asmare, L., Alemu, T., & Bayou, F. D. (2024). Knowledge and use of emergency contraceptive methods and associated factors among female youth college students in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023. BMC Women's Health, 24(1), 570. |
| [27] | Agbo, H. A., Adeoye, P. A., Yilzung, D. R., Mangut, J. S., & Ogbada, P. F. (2025). Levels and predictors of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding contraception among female TV studies undergraduates in Nigeria: cross-sectional study. JMIRx Med, 6(1), e56135. |
| [28] | Forty, J., Rakgoasi, S. D., & Keetile, M. (2021). Patterns and determinants of modern contraceptive use and intention to usecontraceptives among Malawian women of reproductive ages (15-49 years). Contraception and reproductive medicine, 6(1), 21. |
| [29] | Rusibamayila, A., Phillips, J., Kalollela, A., Jackson, E., & Baynes, C. (2017). Factors influencing pregnancy intentions and contraceptive use: an exploration of the ‘unmet need for family planning’in Tanzania. Culture, health & sexuality, 19(1), 1-16. |
APA Style
Mensah, R., Boamah, E. O., Dankwah, M., Adu, S. B., Boaten, A. A., et al. (2025). Knowledge, Attitude, and Intentions Regarding Modern Contraceptive Use Among Nursing and Midwifery Students at SDA NMTC, Asamang. American Journal of Health Research, 13(5), 272-280. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20251305.13
ACS Style
Mensah, R.; Boamah, E. O.; Dankwah, M.; Adu, S. B.; Boaten, A. A., et al. Knowledge, Attitude, and Intentions Regarding Modern Contraceptive Use Among Nursing and Midwifery Students at SDA NMTC, Asamang. Am. J. Health Res. 2025, 13(5), 272-280. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20251305.13
@article{10.11648/j.ajhr.20251305.13,
author = {Richard Mensah and Ellen Opoku Boamah and Mercy Dankwah and Setina Boahemaa Adu and Adwoa Arkoh Boaten and Eunice Korlekie Teye and Gifty Manu Gyamfi and Sampson Asiedu},
title = {Knowledge, Attitude, and Intentions Regarding Modern Contraceptive Use Among Nursing and Midwifery Students at SDA NMTC, Asamang
},
journal = {American Journal of Health Research},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {272-280},
doi = {10.11648/j.ajhr.20251305.13},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20251305.13},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajhr.20251305.13},
abstract = {Background: Modern contraceptive remain vital in reducing unintended pregnancies and promoting reproductive health. However, knowledge, attitude and intentions regarding their use vary among young people, particularly students in health training institutions. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding modern contraceptive use among nursing and midwifery students at SDA NMTC, Asamang. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 students using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of association with significance set at p Results: The majority of respondents (69.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, while only 10.2% exhibited poor knowledge. Most respondents (70.5%) held positive attitudes toward contraceptive use. More than half expressed an intention to use contraceptives in the near future (53.6%) though fewer were willing to commit to consistent use (33.4%). Marital status (χ2 = 6.972, p = 0.008), academic programme (χ2 = 8.260, p = 0.004), and academic level (χ2 = 23.922, p p = 0.184). Conclusion: The study demonstrated generally high knowledge and positive attitudes toward modern contraceptives among respondents, yet intentions for consistent use remain low.
},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Knowledge, Attitude, and Intentions Regarding Modern Contraceptive Use Among Nursing and Midwifery Students at SDA NMTC, Asamang AU - Richard Mensah AU - Ellen Opoku Boamah AU - Mercy Dankwah AU - Setina Boahemaa Adu AU - Adwoa Arkoh Boaten AU - Eunice Korlekie Teye AU - Gifty Manu Gyamfi AU - Sampson Asiedu Y1 - 2025/10/27 PY - 2025 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20251305.13 DO - 10.11648/j.ajhr.20251305.13 T2 - American Journal of Health Research JF - American Journal of Health Research JO - American Journal of Health Research SP - 272 EP - 280 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2330-8796 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20251305.13 AB - Background: Modern contraceptive remain vital in reducing unintended pregnancies and promoting reproductive health. However, knowledge, attitude and intentions regarding their use vary among young people, particularly students in health training institutions. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding modern contraceptive use among nursing and midwifery students at SDA NMTC, Asamang. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 students using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of association with significance set at p Results: The majority of respondents (69.6%) demonstrated good knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, while only 10.2% exhibited poor knowledge. Most respondents (70.5%) held positive attitudes toward contraceptive use. More than half expressed an intention to use contraceptives in the near future (53.6%) though fewer were willing to commit to consistent use (33.4%). Marital status (χ2 = 6.972, p = 0.008), academic programme (χ2 = 8.260, p = 0.004), and academic level (χ2 = 23.922, p p = 0.184). Conclusion: The study demonstrated generally high knowledge and positive attitudes toward modern contraceptives among respondents, yet intentions for consistent use remain low. VL - 13 IS - 5 ER -