Abstract:
Background: Unplanned pregnancies had rapidly emerged as a social issue that severely
deteriorates the quality of life of parents and children. It can be prevented by using
contraceptive methods. Since nurses are an integral part of any health care system they
should have sufficient knowledge and awareness about contraceptives, its efficacy, safety
and side effects.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge on contraceptive safety, efficacy and side effects
among nursing undergraduates at KAATSU International University.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 undergraduate
nurses studying at KIU higher institute of Sri Lanka. The data was collected using pretested
self-administered questionnaire consists of separate parts for contraceptive safety, efficacy
and side effects. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistic and Pearson Chi
square test. The knowledge of the participants were assessed by using knowledge assessing
scale, less than 39.9% is considered as poor knowledge, whereas between 40-59.9% as
average knowledge and 60% and above as good knowledge.
Results and conclusions: 74.6% of the participants had an average knowledge regarding
different type of female contraceptives and 74.5% had average knowledge regarding major
side effects of female contraceptives. Participants who responded correctly to the statements
regarding efficacy include OCP 8.6%, IUD & Depo-provera 1.1%, Implant 5% and female
condom 37%. A significant relationship was found between knowledge and special training
regarding family planning (p= 0.019). This study reflects that majority of the nurses had
average knowledge regarding safety and major side effects of female contraceptive methods.
Majority were unaware about the efficacy of different types of female contraceptive
methods. Therefore, it is essential to provide nurses an adequate knowledge and training
about female contraceptive methods with continuing education in order to advance their
knowledge in this area.
