ABSTRACT
"Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge; acceptability and attitude towards the use of spermicides among students of University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over four-month period among UDSM students. A random sample of students was recruited from all three university campus namely University College of Land and Architectural Studies (UCLAS); Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) and Mlimani Campus (MC). Questionnaires with both closed and open end-questions were used for data collection in which knowledge; attitude; and acceptability of spermicides were determined. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS/PC+ version 10.0; 1999 computer package. Results: A total of 300 students participated in this study; out of which 154 (51.3) were females and 146 (48.7) males. Majority of the students 276 (92) had poor knowledge of spermicidal products; and out of these; 146 (53) were absolutely unable to describe the use of spermicides. Ninety-three percent of the students had never used spermicides. Of those who had never used spermicides; 84 (30) said because they used other contraceptive means; 50 (17.8) said they are expensive; 29 (10.3) attributed this to unavailability of the products; 3(1.1) to fear of ""contracting"" cancer and 13(4.6) to the unreliability. Furthermore; a few who had used them didn't trust the products as ideal means of contraception. Conclusion: The respondents had poor knowledge of spermicides. Spermicides were not accepted by the students because of the presumed side-effects; being very expensive and unreliable for contraception purpose. However; the respondents accepted spermicides usage as an ideal alternative to condom and effective means for a female-controlled method to prevent/reduce unwanted pregnancy and HIV risk. The study recommends that the Government/responsible authorities should encourage spermicides usage; particularly when coupled with microbicides; in reduction of unplanned pregnancies; sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV infection inclusive.). Only 185 (56.1) of all patients reported their willingness to disclose and a freedom to talk about the disease. Risk factors for cancer staging were sex; patient's education status; awareness and knowledge of disease symptoms. Conclusions: Interventions targeted to improve health care seeking behaviour among cancer patients need to include health education and sensitization specifically of cancer disease; establish a strong referral mechanisms at primary health level and to start a population cancer registry for monitoring and evaluation purposes."