Knowledge and attitudes about oral hormonal contraception among students from selected universities

Introduction
The introduction of the contraceptive pill in the United States in 1960 had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including women’s health, fertility trends, laws, politics, religiosity, interpersonal relationships, family roles, feminist issues, and sexual behaviour practiced both among adults and adolescents.

Aim of the study
To determine the level of knowledge of students of Medical University of Gdańsk and the Gdańsk University of Technology about oral hormonal contraception.

Material and methods
The research material consisted of 100 students of Medical University of Gdańsk and 100 students of the Gdańsk University of Technology. The study used the method of a diagnostic survey with the use of a research tool of our own authorship.

Results
The level of knowledge about oral hormonal contraception was higher among students of Medical University of Gdańsk. The students of the Gdańsk University of Technology obtained an average of 67.2% correct answers, and the students of Medical University of Gdańsk had an average of 74.8% correct answers. As many as 97% of students at Gdańsk universities know that oral hormonal contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. 81% of students believed that oral contraceptives are almost 100% effective when used correctly.

Conclusions
The level of students’ knowledge about oral hormonal contraception is sufficient. The average proportion of correct answers in the study group was 71%. Half of the surveyed students had a score of correct answers of at least 71.9%.