Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of contraceptive use among college students at a tertiary institution in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Contraceptive utilization among young adults remains a cornerstone of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). In Zimbabwe, young adults—including university students—remain vulnerable to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections due to persistent gaps in contraceptive knowledge, misconceptions, and barriers to access. Understanding contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) within university settings is therefore essential for informing targeted reproductive health interventions. This study assessed contraceptive KAP and associated determinants among students at the University of Zimbabwe, with emphasis on predictors of optimal contraceptive behaviour.