Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge,
acceptability and attitude towards the use of spermicides among
students of University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). Methodology: This was a
descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over four-month period
among UDSM students. A random sample of students was recruited from all
three university campus namely University College of Land and
Architectural Studies (UCLAS), Muhimbili University College of Health
Sciences (MUCHS) and Mlimani Campus (MC). Questionnaires with both
closed and open end-questions were used for data collection in which
knowledge, attitude, and acceptability of spermicides were determined.
The collected data were analyzed using SPSS/PC+ version 10.0, 1999
computer package. Results: A total of 300 students participated in this
study, out of which 154 (51.3%) were females and 146 (48.7%) males.
Majority of the students 276 (92%) had poor knowledge of spermicidal
products, and out of these, 146 (53%) were absolutely unable to
describe the use of spermicides. Ninety-three percent of the students
had never used spermicides. Of those who had never used spermicides, 84
(30%) said because they used other contraceptive means, 50 (17.8%) said
they are expensive, 29 (10.3%) attributed this to unavailability of the
products, 3(1.1%) to fear of "contracting" cancer and 13(4.6%) to the
unreliability. Furthermore, a few who had used them didn’t trust
the products as ideal means of contraception. Conclusion: The
respondents had poor knowledge of spermicides. Spermicides were not
accepted by the students because of the presumed side-effects, being
very expensive and unreliable for contraception purpose. However, the
respondents accepted spermicides usage as an ideal alternative to
condom and effective means for a female-controlled method to
prevent/reduce unwanted pregnancy and HIV risk. The study recommends
that the Government/responsible authorities should encourage
spermicides usage, particularly when coupled with microbicides, in
reduction of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) and HIV infection inclusive