Sexual Behaviour, Knowledge and Use of Contraceptives Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The reproductive health of young adult women is integral to the well being of a society. The independence, lifestyle and sociocultural environment within an undergraduate institution predisposes to sexual behaviour that has become a serious concern in Nigeria and the global community at large. Previous studies have shown that there is significant or sufficient knowledge of contraceptives, especially among the youth in universities. This study is aimed at determining data on the sexual behaviour, knowledge and use of contraceptive, with a view to what may be known and unknown among undergraduate university students in Delta State from the contextual point. The methodology employed for this study was a narrative literature review approach. In order to guide the researcher, four composite focus of inquiry included (1) healthy and risky sexual behaviours, (2) contraception, (3) determinants of choice and use of contraceptives, and (4) knowledge and use of contraceptives among undergraduate students. The finding of this study indicates abundance of knowledge about sexual health. However, two themes are of particular mention needing further attention. Firstly, characteristics of being sexually healthy seem to be mixed up with healthy sexual behaviour. Secondly, contraception usage does not seem to match acclaimed knowledge, which translates to risky sexual behavior. How the undergraduate girls are successfully preventing pregnancies in order to maintain uninterrupted education also seems to remain a gap in the literature. Further research will benefit to provide adequate information on these two themes.

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

“…The male condom and oral contraceptive pills were the most popular 52.4% and 23.7%, respectively (see Figure 1). This is usually the common finding in studies of contraceptive awareness 5,7,8,16,25 among young people in our universities. The popularity of the male condom may not be unconnected with its social marketing in; media, newspapers, radio and hospital facilities for the prevention 26,27 of both STDs and unwanted pregnancy.…”

“…They do not have the needed knowledge on sexuality issues which is required for a healthy lifestyle and reduction in abuse, teenage unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted 4,6,7 diseases.…”

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“…In addition, having knowledge only may not be a sufficient condition to bring behavioral change. 59,60 Besides, these findings may be attributed to the implementation strategy employed following the program. In YFS programs, peer education is the main approach believed to improve adolescentSRH behavior through enhancing their knowledge and attitudes toward the service.…”

Locus of control, knowledge, attitude and practice for contraception among adolescents

“…A study carried out in Nigeria indicates that adolescents have knowledge about sexual health, but the risk behavior assumed by them in terms of contraception is not consistent with these data (8) . Contraceptive decision in adolescence, because of little or no previous experience, may result in the choice for low-efficacy methods and have lifelong consequences (9) , such as pregnancy or dropout (10) , although the decision of quitting studies may occur even before pregnancy, for other reasons.…”