Perceived factors that hinder the acceptance of contraceptives amongst the young adults in the Outjo district -Namibia

Abstract

Recent reports suggest that there has been an alarming increase in the pregnancy rate of young adults especially in the Outjo district, the northwestern part of Namibia. No formal studies have been conducted recently to get a better understanding of this phenomenon, which is of great concern to all social and healthcare stakeholders. According to the annual report of the Outjo hospital 2009/2010, 36% of the pregnancies reported at the hospital were youth still at school (Namibian 2011). Negative health outcomes of early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS (Human immunodeficiency virus infection / Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), threaten the health of these young adults who will become the mature adults and parents of the future. This study aimed to assess factors that hinder young adults both male and female from utilizing contraceptives in Outjo district in the north-western part of the Republic of Namibia. Some of the objectives of this study were to explore the personal factors that influence the decision to use contraceptives among young adult of the Outjo district; examine socio-economic factors that influence young adult’ decision to use contraceptives, and determine pregnancy rate amongst female young adults in the Outjo district. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a quantitative descriptive survey method and retrospective analysis of the records was used. The study population was young adults 18 to 24 years of age. A semi-structured validated questionnaire was utilized to collect data. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 19 software to generate frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings can contribute and play a significant role in developing new strategies by all stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and Education, to approach non adherence of contraceptive use amongst the young adult population in an innovative ways, and ultimately stem the tide against the high rate of youth pregnancies in the Outjo district. Keywords: Adherence, contraceptives, young adults, youth, teenage pregnancy Namibia, Outjo district, quantitative descriptive survey