Contraceptive Use Among Young Women Attending the University of Buea

Globally, there is an increase in sexual activity among young women. Contraceptive use, among women of reproductive age in Cameroon, is relatively low. This study determined the awareness, use, and barriers to contraceptive methods among young women at the University of Buea. The study comprised 305 young women 17-29 years (Median=22 years) sampled randomly for a cross-sectional survey and purposively selected for focused group discussions and in-depth interviews. Data was collected with a semi-structured questionnaire and a tape recorder. Majority of respondents were between age-group 20-24years (73.8%) (Median= 22 years) (IQR=13). Almost all (96.1%) respondents were aware of contraceptive methods with commonest being condoms (92.5%) and pills (86.9%). Contraceptive use prevalence was 58.3%. A significant association was observed between contraceptive methods awareness and use (p=0.006). Lack of knowledge, embarrassment to buy and fear of side effects were the main barriers to contraceptive use. Median time to contraceptive uptake was 1.04 years. Conclusively, contraceptive awareness was high while usage and time to uptake was relatively low among respondents.