Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adolescent pregnancy is a global health concern. Many adolescent deaths occur due to early marriage and pregnancy. This study assessed knowledge and utilization of contraception among secondary school female adolescents at selected secondary schools in Rwamagana district. METHODS: Cross-sectional design using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted on 117 participants selected by simple random. Analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics at 95% confidence interval, employing SPSS Version 23. Dependent variable was the use of contraceptive and independent variables were socio-demographics and knowledge variables. Bivariate analysis assessed the association between independent and dependent variables. Multivariate analysis assessed the strength of association between dependent and independent variables by computing Odds Ratio. Results are presented in tables and figures. RESULTS: The majority (88%) had heard of contraception, though knowledge about contraception was inadequate (61.54%). Level of contraceptive use was low (17%). The significant independent predictors of contraceptive use were the level of education, having heard of contraception, knowledge of source of contraception, and knowledge of specific contraception methods. CONCLUSION: Hearing about contraception, was not proportionately associated with knowledge or practicing contraception among the sexually active female adolescents. There is a need to enhance sex education, youth-friendly health services, and research.