Beliefs and misconceptions about contraception and condom use among adolescents in south-east Nigeria

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Background: Misconceptions about the usefulness of condoms and other contraceptives still expose many unmarried adolescents to the risk of unwanted teenage pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). This study explored beliefs and misconceptions about condoms and other contraceptives among adolescents in Ebonyi state, south-east Nigeria. Method: A qualitative study was undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria. Data were collected within a period of one month from in and out-of-school adolescents aged 13 to 18 years using twelve focus group discussions (FGD). The data was analyzed using the thematic framework approach. Result: Majority of the adolescents were knowledgeable about methods of contraception, how they are used and their modes of action. They were also knowledgeable about the dual effects of condoms in prevention of pregnancy and STIs. However, some misconceptions that were expressed by some adolescents were that pregnancy could be prevented by the use of i) hard drugs, ii) laxatives, iii) white chlorine, and iv) boiled alcoholic beverages. Condoms were described by some adolescent boys as reusable. Condoms were also perceived by some adolescents to reduce sexual pleasure, and this opinion was mostly held by boys. Coitus interruptus (withdrawal method) was therefore considered more preferable than condoms for prevention of pregnancy. Conclusion: Although majority adolescents have knowledge about contraception and condom use, some misconceptions still persist. These misconceptions put many adolescents at increased risk for pregnancy and STIs which are detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Concerted efforts should be made through educational and behavior change interventions in schools and within communities to debunk persisting misconceptions about contraception, and properly educate adolescents on safe sex practices.</jats:p>

Survey data of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health in selected local governments in southeast Nigeria

“…The datasets have been uploaded to UK Data Service in Excel CSV and Stata software formats which can easily be imported into a variety of software programs 10 . Dataset 1 contains information elicited from heads of households where adolescents reside.…”

“…The datasets were then saved in CSV format and imported to Stata software. All codes that were used to clean the data (drop multiple columns, check missing data and remove duplicates) have been uploaded to the repository 10 .…”