Determination of contraceptive knowledge, attitude, and behavior among nursing students in Northern Cyprus: a cross-sectional study

This study aims to determine the levels of knowledge, attitude and behavior on contraceptive methods among nursing students. The study was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional study. In the study, face-to-face data collection forms were completed by n = 297 nursing students included in the sample between January and June 2025. The data were collected using a data collection form consisting of four parts: (1) the student information form (2), the Contraceptive Knowledge Assessment (CKA) (3), the Contraceptive Attitude Scale (CAS), and (4) the Contraceptive Behavior Scale (CBS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Participants in the study 72.4% was female. 34.7% of the participants reported being sexually active. A significant portion of the participants (86.2%) reported not using any contraceptive methods. In this study, nursing students had a mean score of 8.39 ± 4.93 (min-max: 0–22; median: 8.0) on the CKA measurement tool. The CAS mean score was 106.11 ± 16.86 (min-max: 62–156; median: 101.0) and the CBS mean score was 7.56 ± 6.92 (min-max: 0–20; median: 8.0). In addition, a positive correlation was found between age and the CKA, between the CKA and CAS and CBS, and between CAS and CBS (p < .05). From the study findings, we conclude that the respondents in the study had poor knowledge of contraceptives, poor contraceptive behaviour and positive attitude towards contraceptives use. A significant weak positive correlation between age and contraceptive knowledge was found among the respondents. The findings showed the need for strengthening contraceptive education and targeted interventions in the sampled nursing students. Based on the findings of the study, we recommend comprehensive education and training on contraception for the respondents using periodic evaluations and review sessions that are integrated to enhance learning retention. Researchers should design and test structured contraceptive education interventions using pre- and post-assessment designs to measure their impacts on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour.