Contraceptive Knowledge and Influencing Factors Among University Students in Shanghai, China: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the contraceptive knowledge of university students and to identify the key factors influencing this knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 388 university students in Shanghai using consecutive sampling. Data were collected through an online survey that included demographic information, sexual behavior, and the Chinese version of the CKA Scale. The Chinese CKA scale, which was cross-culturally adapted and validated by the research team, consists of 22 items and demonstrates good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.793). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariate regression were used to identify predictors of adequate contraceptive knowledge, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Among the 388 respondents (68.30% female, 31.70% male), 95.88% were undergraduates, and 45.10% were from medical-related majors. The average CKA score was 6.5 (SD = 3.36), indicating a low level of contraceptive knowledge. The highest levels of contraceptive knowledge were observed for condoms, emergency contraception, and oral contraceptives. However, misconceptions were prevalent, with 5.93% believing vaginal douching was a contraceptive method, and 8.76% unaware that unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy. Online platforms were the primary source of contraceptive information, while many students reported receiving insufficient information from schools or families. CKA scores were positively correlated with high self-perceived knowledge and correct knowledge of contraceptive methods. Conclusion: University students exhibit limited contraceptive knowledge, with notable misconceptions remaining. This highlights the need for comprehensive sexual education initiatives that involve collaboration between schools, families, communities, healthcare institutions, and society.