INTRODUCTION:
Contraceptive use among university students remains a vital aspect of promoting sexual and reproductive health. Despite the availability of contraceptive methods and awareness campaigns, unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be reported among students. Understanding students’ perceptions and attitudes towards contraceptives is crucial for improving uptake and guiding educational interventions.

AIM:
The study aimed to explore the perceptions and attitudes of students regarding contraceptive use at the University of Limpopo.

METHODS:
A qualitative, descriptive research design was employed to examine the perceptions and attitudes amongst students at the University of Limpopo. Participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. The study population comprised university students aged 17–24 years. Data were collected through focus group discussions consisting of 8 to 9 participants per group, with a total of 5 focus group discussions conducted. Data analysis followed Tesch’s open-coding approach. To ensure the trustworthiness of the study, the principles of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability were rigorously applied.

RESULTS:
Three main themes and twelve sub-themes emerged from the data analysis. The findings revealed that students possessed varying levels of knowledge about contraceptives, with some demonstrating misconceptions and reliance on peer information rather than professional guidance. Perceptions about contraceptive effectiveness and side effects influenced their willingness to use them. Cultural norms, partner influence, and social stigma were identified as key factors shaping attitudes toward contraceptive use.

CONCLUSIONS:
Extensive educational campaigns regarding sexual and reproductive health need to be strengthened on campus to provide clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand information on contraceptive methods