Examining the Relationship between Knowledge and Usage of Contraceptives among Adolescent Females in Southern Africa

Background: It is believed that the world’s largest cohort of young people are set to enter their reproductive years (Blanc and others: 2009). The reproductive behaviour of this cohort is likely to shape and influence the growth of the world’s population for years to come (Blanc and others: 2009). Sexual behaviour among adolescents is often associated with adverse health outcomes such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STI’s), HIV infections, unwanted pregnancies as well as a high risk of complications during pregnancy (Mturi and others: 2005). Prior research has highlighted the lack of knowledge as the most frequent reason for the non-usage of contraceptives among young people (Mturi and others: 2005). Aim: This study is concerned with examining the relationship between knowledge and use of contraceptives among adolescent females in three Southern African countries namely: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Methodology: Data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) for each country will be used. 2373 South African, 2205 Namibian and 1980 Zimbabwean females aged 15-19 will be included in the study. Three stages of analysis are necessary to meet the objectives of the study. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques will be employed.