Predictors of good contraception attitude and practice among female students of television studies in Nigeria: a secondary analysis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundGlobally contraceptive uptake among young people is increasing; so too is the high unmet need for family planning among this population, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed attitude and practice item predictors of contraception among female students of Television studies in Nigeria.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study among 227 female TV undergraduates in Nigeria; selected through a simple random technique by balloting. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.25 and qualitative data were presented as frequencies and proportions. Predictors of good attitude and practice were determined by multivariable logistic regression. P-value<0.05 was adjudged significant.Resultsmost (91%) of respondents are aware of contraception. Most (94.9%) of the respondents have had unplanned pregnancies and only 42.1% had ever used contraception. Predictors of good attitude include good knowledge that female sterilization is one way to avoid pregnancy (aOR: 2.244 [95%CI: 1.170, 4.304]; p=0.015); and opportunity for switching in case of side-effect (aOR: 2.310 [95%CI: 1.166, 4.578]; p=0.016); and using both condoms and pills is very effective (aOR: 1.965 [95%CI: 1.005, 3.840]; p=0.048). The predictor of good contraceptive practice is a poor perception of the adequacy of the current method being used (aOR: 3.236 [95%CI: 1.455, 7.196]; p=0.004).ConclusionThis study shows that most respondents are aware of contraception. However, they show poor attitudes to and practice of contraception. There is a need to consolidate comprehensive sex education in all secondary and tertiary institutions; especially in non-science disciplines to improve the attitude and practice of contraception and ensure reproductive well-being and educational development of the girl-child. There is also the need for community action through community dialogue to improve poor contraceptive attitudes among young women.