Use and effects of contraceptives among female secondary school students in Abraka Community, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the use and effects of contraceptives among female secondary school students in Abraka. A total of 250 female students were involved in this study. Primary data were obtained using a well-structured questionnaire. Data gotten were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean age of the respondents in this study was 15.09, majority of the respondents 212 (84.8%) considered themselves sexually active, while 198 (79.2%) of the respondents admitted to have had sexual intercourse. A high number of the respondents 201 (80.4%) had knowledge of contraceptives and a greater percentage (62%) got this knowledge from class-mates and friends and only 2.4% got it from course education and family combined. A total of 147 (58.8%) of the respondents were currently on contraceptive with most 81 (32.4%) admitting weekly use. One hundred and thirty-seven (137) (54.8%) of the respondents admitted to have experienced adverse effect in the course of using contraceptives with issues relating to menstruation being the most prevalent effect (26.4%). It is recommended that efforts should be intensified in creating awareness to promote safe sexual practice, especially abstinence amongst this age group.

Keywords: Contraceptive, female students, secondary school, Abraka