Adolescents’ Knowledge, Attitude and Utilization of Emergency Contraceptive Pills in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region

Abstract

Background and Objective:Risky sexual activity among adolescents is on the increase and contraceptive prevalence rate is low which is evidenced by high rate of teenage pregnancy in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. This study assesses the adolescents’ knowledge, attitude and utilization of emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) in Amassoma Community, Bayelsa State, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.Methods:The study was a descriptive cross-sectional research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 220 respondents from the target population. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data generated.Results:Majority of the respondents had high level of knowledge and positive attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills but had low level of utilization. Concerns about what others may say, parental attitude, contraceptive availability, contraceptive accessibility, and peer influences were the major factors that influenced the utilization of contraceptive pills. There was no significant relationship between knowledge and utilization of emergency contraceptive pills, as well as level of knowledge and their utilization of emergency contraceptive pills.Conclusions and Global Health Implications:Adolescents in the study were more likely to use emergency contraceptive pills, if parents and others reaction to adolescents’ contraceptive use were positive about those. Health care professionals, especially nurses, should organize enlightenment programs to educate adolescents, parents and the public on the benefits of adolescents’ contraceptives use, especially ECP.

Perceived barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services among educated young women in Egypt

“…In this study, UMN-SRH counselling needs were reported to be more prevalent among virgins than married participants, just as in previous studies in Canada [18] , the US [19] and Nigeria [20] . The explanation is that most efforts to improve SRH may be directed toward the married female population.…”

Barriers to Contraceptive Use Among Urban Adolescents and Youth in Conakry, in 2019, Guinea

“…In addition, adolescents and youth often face difficulties in accessing contraceptive services (9,10). The results of some studies conducted, particularly in developing countries, on the obstacles related to the use of modern contraceptive methods among adolescents and youth suggest that particular attention should be paid to individual difficulties, interpersonal, community, or cultural influences (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). Adolescent girls also face many barriers, including fear, embarrassment, lack of knowledge, and cost of services, limiting the use of these methods (11,12,21,22).…”

Knowledge and attitude towards contraceptive use among adolescents in Africa: a systematic review

“…However, they did not have adequate knowledge of other contraceptive methods. 20 The same study did not show a correlation between levels of knowledge and utilization of the contraceptive method they were familiar with. Another study in Demographic Republic of Congo, reported that 90% of the participants had adequate knowledge of at least a given contraceptive method.…”