Contraceptive method choices among adolescents in a Nigerian tertiary institution
Araoye, M.O.; Fakeye, O.O.; Jolayemi, E.T.
West African Journal of Medicine 17(4): 227-231
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0189-160X PMID: 9921086 Document Number: 490304
The use of contraceptives among adolescents is significantly different from that of older married couples, and it is influenced by educational, developmental, social, and psychological factors. This study provides information about the prevalence of contraceptive methods used among single adolescents in college and examines the factors that motivate their choice. 971 randomly selected males and females aged 18-24 years in a Nigerian tertiary institution were interviewed personally. The analysis of these 971 single adolescents having similar age distributions but different ethnic and religious backgrounds showed that most respondents (97.7% and 98.4% of males and females, respectively) knew at least one method of contraception. The commonest methods ever used were the condom (43%) and the rhythm method (31%). Females were mainly motivated by the need to prevent pregnancy, while males were more concerned with disease prevention in unstable sexual relationships. Adolescents who based their contraceptive choice on disease prevention did not choose the condom more frequently than other methods. Factors militating against contraceptive use by sexually experienced respondents included religious belief and fear of complications. The study recommends that college clinics be strengthened to manage reproductive health services. Programs should include information, education, and communication efforts targeted at these young people.