Knowledge and Perception Towards Contraceptive and Teen Pregnancy Amongst Late Adolescents in East Malaysia

Teenage pregnancy is a critical public health issue in Malaysia and globally. This study aims to investigate the knowledge and perceptions of contraception and teen pregnancy, while also analysing differences across various demographic profiles of adolescents aged between 16 to 19 years old. A cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire in Sabah and Sarawak states of Malaysia, consisting of demographic information and perceptions and knowledge towards contraceptives and teen pregnancy. Descriptive statistics and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were employed to analyse the data. A total of 105 participants answered the questionnaire, with 54.3% being females 19 years old being the largest age group (55.2%). There is a generally positive attitude regarding contraception use among the adolescents and understanding of the complexities surrounding teenage pregnancy, and an overall moderate knowledge of contraceptive use, pregnancy, and related health practices. MANOVA analysis showed that participants’ perceptions were significantly different based on ethnicity, religion, and income status groups, highlighting the importance of cultural and socioeconomic background. The result of the study has implications for shaping curriculum for educating middle adolescents in East Malaysia in sexual and reproductive health, particularly on contraceptive use and teenage pregnancy.