Awareness and use of contraceptives among female undergraduates : a case study of Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Contraceptives are methods used to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. It is used by both males and females that are sexually active. This study aimed at examining the awareness and use of contraceptives among female undergraduates in Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. It examined the age of sexual debut as well as frequency of contraceptives use. The study adopted the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980) as its theoretical framework. It was a survey carried out among female undergraduates in the six faculties of the university at Oye, Ekiti. The sample size was 200 respondents randomly selected from females in the faculties. Questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection while books and academic journals were used as supporting sources. Data collected was coded and analyzed with SPSS version 2.0. The study concluded that female undergraduates of FUOYE were mostly between 16–25 years (85.5%), majority (69%) had their first sexual intercourse between 16 and 18 years, 100% of the respondents were aware of and (58%) use contraceptives frequently to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Majority got to know about contraceptives through their friends (45.5%) and 20% equally (boyfriends and Google). Majority (76.5%) had only one sexual partner and (58%) had sex frequently. Therefore, the study recommended that the government should encourage female undergraduates with monthly stipends aimed at encouraging them to focus on their education and maintain academic stability instead of having multiple sexual partners that will distract them from reaching their goals.

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