Knowledge, attitudes and practices of contraceptive methods among women seeking voluntary termination of pregnancy at Jubilee Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa

BACKGROUND: There is a high rate at which women in South Africa who are of childbearing age and still opt for abortions or voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTOP). Despite the availability of free contraceptive methods and health education in all health facilities across the country, to reduce and prevent unwanted pregnancies and VTOP, there is still an alarming increase in the rate of VTOP. AIM: This study sought to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of contraceptive methods among women seeking VTOP. SETTING: The study was conducted at Jubilee Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was taken using a piloted, structured and self-administered questionnaire. Convenience sampling was applied and the sample size was 126. RESULTS: The mean age of the 126 participants was 26.1 years. Findings obtained after analysis of participants’ data were grouped following the university categorisation. A score below 50% was referred to as a ‘poor’ outcome that from 50% to 74% was referred to as a ‘satisfactory’ outcome and that beyond 74% was considered as an ‘excellent’ outcome. Knowledge was poor for 28 (22.2%) women. It was satisfactory for 91 (72.2%) women and excellent for 7 (5.5%) women. Looking at the attitude: 124 (98.4%) approved the use of contraception, 1 (0.79%) disapproved and 1 (0.79%) abstained because of religious beliefs. Regarding the practice of contraception: 92 (73.0%) have already used contraceptive methods, while 34 (27.0%) have not. CONCLUSION: In summary, the study showed a satisfactory knowledge of contraceptive methods, a positive attitude towards contraception and a huge number of participants who had already used contraceptive methods, among women seeking VTOP at Jubilee Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa.