Evaluation of the barriers faced by female secondary school students in Masvingo District in accessing contraceptives

Abstract

This study is concerned with evaluation of challenges faced by female students in Masvingo District secondary schools in accessing contraceptives. Using a wide survey methodology, 1000 questionnaires were distributed to female students in secondary schools of Masvingo District for data gathering. It emerged from the study that there are quite a number of factors that inhibit access to desired contraceptive methods by the female students in secondary schools in Masvingo district in Zimbabwe. These factors range from the side effects of the contraceptives, costs of contraceptives, loss of sexual pleasure, lack of knowledge, shortage of the contraceptives, limited confidentiality by service providers, male dominance, religion and community perception. Based on the findings of this study, a number of recommendations are suggested in order to address the challenges experienced by the students in accessing inappropriate contraceptives.