| Özet notu |
The aim of study was determining family planning (FP) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among international female students. Study designs were methodological, descriptive and cross-sectional. The study included 810 female undergraduates at Cyprus International University in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). For this study "Contraceptive Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire" (CKA) and "Family Planning Attitudes and Behaviors Scale" (FPABS) were developed and validity reliability study were made first. CKA and FPABS had Cronbach's alpha coefficients between 0.87 and 0.90.<br/>A four-section questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, family planning information, CKA, and FPABS. Five-point Likert scales were used to create FPABS. The data was analyzed using Stastistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.00. The data was analyzed using percentage, mean, student's t test, one-way ANOVA, and correlation testing. Principal Component Analysis, Varimax rotation, and Cronbach alpha assessed reliability and validity.<br/>Results: Single (74.1%), African (77.4%), and moderate-income (84.0%) female students dominated. The students' average age was 23.6±3.20 (range: 18-40). Despite 58.1% of female students not learning about family planning, 58.4% knew about contraceptives. 23.9% of respondents said pills were the most prevalent method. Most students (27.3%) used social media and the internet for information. 45.1% of 61.0% reported sexual activity without contraception. Most modern family planning used condoms (48.3%) and pills (25.3%). Most contraceptives were bought at pharmacies (31.0%) and hospitals (26.7%). 35.7% of modern and mix FP users suffered adverse effects, with abdominal discomfort (23%), being the most prevalent and mild. International female students showed moderate positive FP behaviors (x̄:32.02±6.03, range:0-24) and positive FP attitudes (x̄:70.99±10.38, range:41-101), but insufficient FP knowledge (x̄:7.74±6.03, range:0-24 FP knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were lower in first-graders, married, middle-income, Middle Eastern, and non-sexually active students who did not receive family planning training and had no prior knowledge. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about family planning correlated positively. Student knowledge and attitudes on FP improved with age. Country wealth adversely connected with FP knowledge, attitudes, and practices. It is recomended to assess undergraduate female students’ FP knowledge, attitudes and behaviors repeatly and educate them on contraception and reproductive health. Social media can be effectively utilized as a valuable tool for educational purposes. |