Sexual Activity and Contraceptive use among University Female Undergraduates in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

High sexual activity with low contraceptive use among young women could give rise to complications such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This study was aimed at determining sexual activities and contraceptive usage among female undergraduate students. It was a cross-sectional study using pretested self -administered questionnaires to collect data on socio-demographic variables, sexual activities and contraceptive use. Out of the four hundred and thirty one (431) students studied, three hundred and four (70.5%) were sexually active. The average age of sexual debut was 19.5 years. One hundred and twenty-seven (41.8%) had more than one sexual partner. Money was the reason for sex in more than one- third (37.4%). Contraceptive awareness and usage among the respondents was (96.1%) and (85.0%) respectively. The male condom was the commonest (52.4%) contraceptive used. Majority (65.9%) of the respondents believed contraceptive use could prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. There was a significant relationship between awareness of contraception and level of study (P =0.003). The study showed a high level of sexual activity, contraceptive knowledge and usage. There was a significant relationship between contraceptive awareness and academic level; as well as usage and protection against STD. Girl child education, provision and promotion of utilization of reproductive health services should be sustained to safeguard the sexual health of young women.

Predictors of good contraception attitude and practice among female students of television studies in Nigeria: a secondary analysis

“…This is similar to those observed among similar populations in Dodoma-Tanzania, states in North-Central Nigeria, Thohoyandou-South Africa, and Suva-Fiji. 5,6,[17][18][19] This may be due to increased sensitization and community mobilization on contraception in most countries of the world; especially in lower-and middle-income countries (LMICs). 20 This will need to be sustained especially in hard-to-reach regions of the world.…”

“…4,32 This is however different for similar populations in Kigali-Rwanda, Romania and Makurdi-Nigeria. 19,22,33 This may be due to social and cultural, health systems barriers that hinder young people from accessing contraceptive services in many LMiCs. 4,20 This might have also explained the higher number of unplanned pregnancies experienced by this study population.…”