The purpose of this study was to attain an understanding of knowledge, attitudes and use of contraception amongst learners attending a high school in Mdantsane. A quantitative, descriptive survey was conducted. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was self-administered by 150 female learners. These learners were doing grade 10-12 and were aged between 18-20 years. The findings indicated that 86.67% of the learners understood contraception as prevention of pregnancy, only 8.67% understood contraception as prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The 66.3% of learners had positive attitude towards contraceptives. The 77.27% of the learners were using injectable contraceptives. The main reason for stopping use of contraception was side effects. Majority of learners had basic knowledge of contraceptives, but knew few types and did not know their mechanism of action. Most learners had positive attitude and were using contraceptives. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to attain an understanding of knowledge, attitudes and use of contraception amongst learners attending a high school in Mdantsane. A quantitative, descriptive survey was conducted. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was self-administered by 150 female learners. These learners were doing grade 10-12 and were aged between 18-20 years. The findings indicated that 86.67% of the learners understood contraception as prevention of pregnancy, only 8.67% understood contraception as prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The 66.3% of learners had positive attitude towards contraceptives. The 77.27% of the learners were using injectable contraceptives. The main reason for stopping use of contraception was side effects. Majority of learners had basic knowledge of contraceptives, but knew few types and did not know their mechanism of action. Most learners had positive attitude and were using contraceptives. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)