Knowledge of Modern Contraceptives Methods and Its Uptake Among Female Students of a Tertiary Educational Institution in South- South Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The use of modern forms of contraception can significantly improve women reproductive health. The rate of sexually transmitted disease, unwanted pregnancies and maternal morbidity and mortality can be significantly reduced following the use of modern forms of contraception. However, there is paucity of studies on the place of modern forms of contraception in improving women reproductive health in Yenagoa. Objective: This study aimed to access the knowledge of modern forms of contraceptive methods and its uptake among female students of Federal University Otueke, Bayelsa State. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among the female students of Federal University Otueke Bayelsa State. To elicit information about their knowledge of modern forms of contraceptives methods and its uptake. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain required information for the study from a total of 424 students. Results: A total of 424 female undergraduates students of the Federal University Otueke were enrolled for the study. The mean age group of the participants was 20.9±3.2 years. The study showed that most of responds have good knowledge of contraceptives (97.4 %). The awareness of family planning was 96.7%. The study showed that age was found to influence the awareness of contraceptives. (x2=11.8;df=3;p<0.05). Most of the respondents had used oral contraceptive pills 146 (34.4%); followed by those that had used Condom 138 (32.5%). Conclusion: Our study showed that the respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge and awareness of family planning. However, it is worrisome to note that the uptake of modern forms of contraceptives was low. The importance of improving the uptake of these forms of contraceptives cannot be over-emphasized, especially in our societies where the protection of the reproductive health of young women is paramount.