Knowledge and attitude of students on sterilization methods

Abstract

Introduction: Today, sterilization is legal in almost all countries and the number of those who consciously decide not to have any children and individuals who may tend to have sterilization is increasing in western population. It is estimated that with every sterilization, the birth of 1.5-2.5 children per woman could be prevented.

Methods: In order to determine the knowledge and attitude of Tabriz Medical University's students on sterilization methods, a questionnaire including questions on demographic characteristics of students plus thirty questions with Likert scales (Yes, No, I don't know) on their knowledge and one question on their attitude was prepared; 160 students of Tabriz Medical University participated in the survey, being selected through convenient sampling method. The final analysis of data was done with descriptive and inferential statistical methods and through SPSS 10 computer program.

Results: The results showed that students' knowledge on physical and psychological complications of sterilization methods were not enough. According to the results of t ­test for comparing the independent groups, the difference between the male and the female students' knowledge on grade of tubectomy was statistically significant while there was no significant association between the students' attitude and knowledge with their demographic characteristics such as age, gender, religion and race.

Conclusion: On the basis of the results of the research, the researchers suggest that those in charge of education should attempt to raise students' awareness and knowledge of physical and psychological complications on sterilization methods. Moreover, some plans with the aim of improving students' views and behaviors (especially male students) on sterilization methods must be adopted.

Key words: Knowledge, attitude, students, vasectomy, tubectomy.