The aim of this study was to identify contraceptive behavior and determinants of Modern Contraceptive Methods (MCM) use among female students at the University of Lubumbashi (UNILU) in DR Congo. Methods: a cross-sectional analytic study, running from June 06, 2016 to March 21, 2017 among female students at two faculties of university of Lubumbashi (Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Letters and Humanities). An exhaustive sampling of 329 sexually active female students, secondary of 1341 female students present on the day of the survey. Socio-demographic variables, knowledge, attitudes and practices of MCM were analyzed, and logistic regression was performed. Results: The average age of all sexually active female students was 22.9±3 years, 9 out of 10 students had heard of contraceptive methods (CM), and teachers were the main source of information, followed by friends and family. Condoms were the method most frequently cited and used by respondents. Determinants of MCM use among female students were: «hearing about MCM from friends/family», «knowledge of condoms», «having used an MCM at first intercourse», «having been pregnant in her life», «sharing information about MCM with sexual partner», and «knowing that MCM were available in pharmacies». Conclusion: To increase the use of MCM among female students, it is necessary to take into account the various predictive factors.

Condom utilization at sexual initiation is associated with subsequent condom use and with a decreased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Our study objective was to determine the factors related to the use of condoms at first sexual intercourse and the level of knowledge about STIs/HIV/AIDS among high school students in grades 11 and 12. A cross-sectional survey was conducted within three secondary schools in Lubumbashi City, D.R. Congo, from 2017. Sampling was exhaustive of the 563 pupils present on the day of the survey. A logistic regression analysis was performed. The mean age of the respondents was 18.2 ± 1.4 years. HIV/AIDS was the most commonly mentioned STI (99.8%). Sexual intercourse was the most quoted path of infection (93.4%) for STIs/HIV/AIDS. Condom use was the most cited form of prevention. Among the respondents, 21.2% had ever been sexually active. The condom was the most commonly used contraceptive (89.1%). The 118 pupils who were sexually active included 13.9% of all girls and 35.3% of all boys with a significant difference (p <0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that children 12 and older, and students who cited their parents as sources of information were more likely to use condoms at first sexual intercourse compared others. Students whose father’s or guardian’s education included university and who reported abstinence as a means to prevent STIs or pregnancy were less likely to use condoms at sexual debut than the others. Hence, family members, leaders and teachers should discuss reproductive health and responsible sexuality earlier with children.