1. Contraception knowledge and practices among students in Lebanese universities.
- Author
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Abi Tayeh, Georges, Khalil, Khalil, Khoury, Alexandra, Maalouf, Samer, Mansour, Fersan, Attieh, Elie, Sassine, Serge, Abi Antoun, Melissa, and Zakaria, Hoda
- Subjects
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CONTRACEPTION , *BIRTH control , *FAMILY planning , *MEDICAL students , *YOUNG adults , *INTRAUTERINE contraceptives - Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of contraception users among Lebanese youth, and the extent of knowledge and perception on birth control; and to raise awareness and sensitise young adults to sexual health, which remains taboo in Lebanon. The 30-item questionnaire was broadcasted to students in private and public universities in Lebanon, through social media and it collected information on contraception use and student knowledge. Over 30% of responders were medical students, and 41% have ever used contraceptives (mostly women); among which, 52.1% for contraception versus 47.9% for medical reasons. According to responders, the pill ranked high in terms of effectiveness (72.4% of responders perceive the pill as effective), followed by the male condom (69.1%) and the hormonal intrauterine device (29.6%). Some would not use contraception in the future, for religious reasons (30.8%) or for fear of complications (46.2%); indeed, around a third of contraceptive users (all female) have experienced adverse effects. Finally, students expressed concern about long-term complications of contraceptive use (pulmonary embolism/phlebitis, breast/endometrial/ovarian cancer, stroke, depression and myocardial infarction). Though less frequent than in the Western world, contraception use in Lebanon is non-negligible and gaps in university students' knowledge on contraception were identified; which should prompt sexual education and family planning initiatives in Lebanon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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