Her right to know: exploring contraceptive awareness in female college students of Mysuru: a cross-sectional study

Background: Contraceptive use is a critical component of reproductive health, empowering women to make informed decisions about their fertility. However, among young adults, particularly female college students, gaps in awareness remain prevalent despite generally favourable attitudes. This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitudes, and preferences regarding contraception among female college students in Mysuru, Karnataka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 542 female students from various colleges in Mysuru using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS v29, with chi-square tests used to assess associations. Results: While 81.9% believed contraception is beneficial and 83% were willing to recommend it, only 57.5% had awareness of both family planning and contraceptive availability. Awareness regarding contraceptives was good among 50.9% (mean score: 20.95±5.81), while awareness remained low at 24.4% (mean score: 1.90±0.91). Attitude scores were generally positive (57.9% with good attitude; mean: 11.23±2.53). Participants were more familiar with condoms than implants and injectables. Perceptions about safety and ease of use influenced preference for traditional methods. Educational year and marital status were significantly associated with awareness (p<0.05). Conclusions: Despite positive attitudes, gaps in awareness suggest the need for improved contraceptive education tailored to students' academic level and marital status. Including reproductive health sessions in curricula, healthcare professionals, and digital platforms may enhance awareness of contraceptives.