Relationship between knowledge about contraception and sexual practices among nursing students at UNIANDES, Tulcán campus

The promotion and awareness of the need for the use of contraceptive methods among students is essential for various reasons that impact both individual health and the well-being of the community in general. This research aims to analyze the relationship between knowledge about contraception and the sexual practices of students, examining the barriers and facilitators that affect their use. The research consisted of a descriptive cross-sectional study of 180 nursing students at UNIANDES, Tulcán campus. The survey was used as a tool and the questionnaire, made up of closed, multiple-choice structured questions, was used as an information collection instrument. The study of the use of contraceptive methods among students reveals a complex interaction of factors that influence decision-making about sexual and reproductive health. Through the findings obtained, it has been shown that although there is general knowledge about the availability of contraceptives, this knowledge does not always translate into their effective and responsible use. In the observed sample, it was identified that the emergency pill is used inappropriately, which constitutes a risky behavior for reproductive health. It is necessary that health, educational, family and society institutions get involved in strategies to foster, promote and prevent sexual and reproductive health in order to guarantee adequate and timely access to family planning methods and sexual education for the adolescent and young adult population