KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and improve the practice of this knowledge in our teaming adolescent population bearing in mind that a good beginning will eventually grow to a good end. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Though sample size was calculated for a finite population, the total population of student respondents was used for the study. Data collection was by use of a serial structured questionnaire and an observational check list. The result showed that the mean age of the student respondents was 25 + 5 years. All the respondents are male adolescent students. The knowledge of contraception in this group was 86.1% as against those who had as knowledge of 13.9%; the practice of contraceptive use has 77% while abstinence ws 6.6% and withdrawal 5.5% respectively. The subject of study of the students did not influence the knowledge and practice of contraception so also is their year of study. The mass media and peer group were found to be their main sources of information that contraceptives and their parents’ being alive or dead did not also influence their practice. The study concluded that the students who had good knowledge of contraception affirmed that they will continue to practice it. The cultural values of students did not influence their practice of male contraception. The mass media a veritable means of communication should be effectively used to cover both urban and rural areas in order to stimulate more adolescent to the use of male contraception. Parents, teachers, health practitioners should do more to give adolescents such advice to help in their proactive ability and the need to adequate control of sexuality related activities.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary of Current English defines “Contraceptives as a drug, device of practice used to prevent a woman becoming pregnant.”1 This definition though well embracing but does not include its utilization as a preventive measure against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases; such as AIDS/HIV. The act of contraception has been an old practice even from our forefathers who designed the timing of mating with their wives or not depending on whether they want to make babies. They have a mental picture of when the monthly menstrual flow of their wives takes place or how long their wives have to breast feed their babies to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Some traditional women even go through the extra-mile of wearing contraceptive bands on their waist to prevent unwanted pregnancies.