Sexual Activity and Contraception Awareness Among Adolescents in the South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the sexual behaviour and degree of contraception awareness amonst adolescents in Eket, Nigeria, Structured Questionnaires were administered to 1,750 students in the three girls only secondary schools in Eket. Seventy percent of the students had sexual exposure while 61.6% were sexually active. Six hundred and ninety one (39.6%) had been pregnant. Only 13.8% of the students were aware of a method of contraception while 12.6% of the sexually active students used some form of contraception. Incorporation of family life and sexuality education into the curriculum of all primary and secondary schools in the state is advocated. The need to establish adolescent friendly clinics in our government hospitals is stressed

Key Words: Sexual activity, contraception awareness, Adolescent girls, South-South Nigeria.

Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2004: 27-31