Conocimiento e intención de uso de anticoncepción reversible de acción prolongada en estudiantes universitarios. Estudio exploratorio

Objective. To analyze the relationship between knowledge and the intention to use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) among university students. Methods. This observational, correlational study was conducted with health sciences students from a private university in Lima, Peru. A non-probabilistic sampling method was used, and a validated instrument with high reliability (α = 0.92-0.82) was developed. The instrument consisted of 45 questions divided into four sections: (1) general demographic data, (2) sexual and reproductive health aspects and contraceptive history, (3) knowledge of contraceptive methods, and (4) intention to use LARC. Results. The final sample included 313 students, with a mean age of 24.5 ± 4.5 years. Among them, 76.7% were sexually active, 78% had used contraceptives at some point, and 73.2% were not currently using LARC. Only 13.4% demonstrated knowledge of LARC effectiveness. Additionally, 49.8% considered LARC use beneficial, and 62.9% expressed a possible intention to use it. A total of 53.7% had received recommendations from healthcare professionals and considered it likely they would use LARC, while 57.8% remained indifferent toward their intention to use it. A statistically significant relationship was found between knowledge of LARC and the intention to use it (p = 0.0024). Conclusion. A total of 60.7% of students had insufficient knowledge of long-acting reversible contraception, while 36% expressed an intention to use it. A significant relationship was observed between knowledge level and intention to use LARC.