Evaluation of the knowledge levels of Medical, Midwifery and Nursing students of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University on contraceptive methods

This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge levels of students studying in the field of health sciences regarding contraceptive methods. The study population consisted of students enrolled in the Faculties of Medicine, Midwifery, and Nursing at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University. The sample size was statistically calculated, and 454 students who volunteered were included in the study. Of the participants, 35.7% were studying Medicine, 30.4% Midwifery, and 33.9% Nursing. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed to assess sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge of contraceptive methods, along with the Contraceptive Knowledge Assessment Scale (CKAS). Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 22.0 software package. The mean knowledge score of female students was 11.02 ± 5.00, while that of male students was 9.92 ± 4.68, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.043). The average knowledge score of medical students (12.24 ± 4.48) was significantly higher than those of students in the midwifery (9.78 ± 5.03) and nursing (10.05 ± 4.98) departments. Although students with sexual experience had higher knowledge levels compared to those without, the difference was not statistically significant. Based on the scores obtained, the overall level of contraceptive knowledge among students was evaluated as moderate. While 59.5% of the participants reported receiving adequate education on contraceptive methods at university, only 44.3% stated that they had sufficient knowledge to provide counseling services after graduation. The majority of participants indicated that university education was their primary source of contraceptive knowledge. The findings suggest that students studying in health-related fields who are expected to provide family planning services after graduation do not yet have sufficient knowledge about contraception. Improving knowledge in this area would make a significant contribution to appropriate individual counseling, the prevention of unintended pregnancies, and the protection of public health.