A Pilot Study on the Feasibility and Impact of a Targeted Institutional Programme on Contraceptive Methods among Non-Medical Undergraduate Students in Sikkim, India

Abstract

Background: Contraceptive awareness is essential for promoting reproductive health and preventing unintended pregnancies; however, misconceptions persist among non-medical undergraduate students. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Targeted Institutional Programme on Contraceptive Methods in improving awareness and reducing misconceptions among non-medical undergraduate students. Methods: A quasi-experimental waitlist-controlled pilot study with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted among 50 non-medical undergraduate students in Sikkim, India (25 intervention, 25 control). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing awareness and misconceptions. The intervention group received Targeted Institutional Programme on Contraceptive Methods, while the control group received the intervention after the post-test. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The intervention group showed a significant increase in awareness scores (t = 10.52, p < 0.001) and a significant reduction in misconceptions (t = 6.422, p < 0.001). No statistically significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Targeted Institutional Programme on Contraceptive Methods was effective in improving awareness and reducing misconceptions among non-medical undergraduate students. However, findings should be interpreted with caution due to the pilot nature of the study. Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate these findings.