PREVALENCE OF CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG KENYA COAST NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS

The study purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of emergency contraceptive use among the Kenya Coast National Polytechnic. The objective of the study was to establish the level of contraceptive use, student knowledge on contraceptives and accessibility of contraceptives. A descriptive cross sectional study design was employ to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data was collected from sample size of 196 calculated using Fisher’s formula. Data was collected using both structured questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analyzed using SPPS version 20 and presented using tables and pie charts. About 32% of the respondents were using contraceptive, 99% had knowledge on contraceptives and 77% could access contraceptives within their neighborhood. Bivariate analysis findings show that residence (p=0.000), course (P=0.000), usage of contraceptive (p=0.000) and availability at a nearby facility (p=0.009) to statistically significant in contraceptive use. The study recommends that the respondents need more knowledge on various contraceptive options, support from both institution of learning as well as parents on safe sex practices and reliable provision of contraceptives KEY WORDS: Contraceptives, teenagers, accessibility