Keywords
attitudes and practices
sexual and reproductive health
Maputo Protocol
Gbado-lite
Democratic Republic of the Congo
How to Cite
Abstract
Voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) remains a sensitive sexual and reproductive health issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to persistent sociocultural, institutional, and legal constraints. This study aimed to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of female students in higher education institutions in Gbado-lite regarding VTP, in relation to the legal framework and available services. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 students from the University of Gbado-lite and ISP Molegbe using an electronic questionnaire, with data analyzed through descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. Results show that 99 % of students had heard of VTP, mainly through family and peers (93.9 %), while university courses were rarely used as sources of information (15.2 %). Although 62 % were aware of comprehensive abortion care services, 95.2 % considered them inaccessible. VTP was widely accepted (87 % favorable; 67.7 % supporting legalization), and 91.3 % reported having undergone or considered a VTP, mainly due to unintended pregnancies and the desire to continue their studies. Despite these positive attitudes, 62 % demonstrated low knowledge levels, and academic level was the only factor significantly associated with a favorable attitude (Bachelor: aOR = 5.87; Master: aOR = 2.62). These findings highlight a gap between social normalization and institutional support. They underscore the urgent need to implement comprehensive abortion care services within universities and strengthen reproductive health education to align knowledge, attitudes, and practices, thereby better protecting female students.
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