TITLE:
Perceptions of Parents towards the Use of Contraceptives by Adolescents in Chawama Township—A Community-Based Survey
AUTHORS:
Pamela Namakando, Catherine Mubita Ngoma, Phadales Phiri Sinkamba
KEYWORDS:
Adolescent, Contraceptive Use, Parental Perceptions, Socio-Cultural Norms, Sexual and Reproductive Health
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.15 No.4,
April
7,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Adolescent pregnancies remain a critical public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with Zambia reporting a 23% contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) among adolescents. Parental disapproval, rooted in socio-cultural norms and limited knowledge, is a key barrier to adolescent contraceptive access. This study examines parental perceptions of adolescent contraceptive use in Chawama Township, Lusaka, to inform targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 239 parents of adolescents (10 – 19 years) selected via simple random sampling. A validated researcher-administered questionnaire assessed socio-demographics, knowledge, and perceptions. Data were analyzed using SPSS v27, with logistic regression identifying predictors of positive perceptions. The relationship become significant only when the P-value is less than level of significance (Results: Only 36.8% of parents demonstrated adequate contraceptive knowledge, while 51.5% held negative perceptions of adolescent contraceptive use. Factors significantly associated with positive perceptions included secondary education (AOR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.0 – 9.3), tertiary education (AOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.1 – 17.8), adequate knowledge (AOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.7 – 10.9), and permissive socio-cultural norms (AOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 2.1 – 9.3). Cultural/religious beliefs (54%) and fears of promiscuity (47.3%) were primary deterrents. Conclusion: Parental education and knowledge significantly shape perceptions of adolescent contraceptive use. Community-based programs addressing socio-cultural norms and improving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy are critical to reducing unintended pregnancies and maternal mortality.