Factors associated with non-use of modern contraceptive methods in the school-going adolescent's girls and young women in Guinea.

BACKGROUND

Non-use of modern contraceptive methods among adolescents and young women remains prevalent in Africa.

AIM: This study analysed factors associated with the non-use of modern contraceptives among unmarried, sexually active school-going adolescent girls and young women in Guinea.

SETTING

The study was conducted among sexually active school-going adolescent girls and young women in Guinea.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey using a three-stage sampling approach was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 among female students (13-24 years) in secondary schools. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with non-use, reporting adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The prevalence of non-use was 48.2% (95% CI: 46.3-50.2). Significantly higher odds of non-use were associated with: college-grade level (AOR: 1.67, CI: 1.29-2.17), private schooling (AOR: 1.69, CI: 1.29-2.21), being Muslim (AOR: 4.23, CI: 2.27-7.88) or Christian (AOR: 3.01, CI: 1.62-5.62), no contraceptive knowledge (AOR: 11.95, CI: 7.08-20.1), wanting a birth within 2 years (AOR: 2.51, CI: 1.98-3.17), partner opposition compliance (AOR: 2.05, CI: 1.53-2.74), family planning needs (AOR: 1.68, CI: 1.31-2.15), and poor contraceptive access (AOR: 3.87, CI: 2.97-5.04).

CONCLUSION

Modern contraceptive non-use is a stark reality among unmarried school-going youth in Guinea. Implementing robust school-based family planning education programmes is crucial to improve knowledge and uptake.

CONTRIBUTION: This study guides school sexual health policies, transforming a taboo issue into an opportunity for informed public health action.