Male college students and family planning use in Zambia.
The success of family planning depends on attitudes and knowledge about contraception. In this study the correlation between ever use of contraception and health attitudes among men was assessed. 65 male participants were randomly selected from residence halls on the University of Lusaka campus in Lusaka Zambia. Students reflected a diverse ethnic mix. The findings indicated that only 37.5% had approval from ethnic traditions for contraceptive use. Chi square tests rejected the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between the variables "ever use" and "ethnic orientation." 52.5% who reported ever use of contraception were juniors or seniors which indicated little difference by level of education and ever use. Family planning ever use due to health reasons was reported by 70% of participants. These findings support the research of Manda on noncollege populations about use of condoms. College students do have favorable attitudes toward contraception and toward health. This research supports the public education campaign of the Ministry of Health to promote the practice of safe sex for health reasons and the prevention of AIDS a widespread problem in Zambia.