Influence of TikTok as an Edutainment Platform on Female Students’ Awareness and Use of Contraceptives

Abstract

This research study investigates the influence of TikTok, a popular social media platform known for its entertainment and educational content, on the awareness and utilization of contraceptives among female students at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). With the widespread use of social media among the youth, platforms like TikTok have emerged as potential sources of information, creating new opportunities for disseminating knowledge on sensitive topics, such as sexual health and contraception. The main objectives of the study was to evaluate how exposure to contraceptive-related contents on TikTok influence female undergraduates’ awareness and responsible use of contraceptives among COOU female students. The study adopted the uses and gratifications theory in carrying out the study. The survey research method was adopted with a sample size of 400 drawn using Taro Yaame’s formula from a population of 12,552. A structured survey questionnaire is employed to collect data from a representative sample of COOU female students, assessing their knowledge and understanding of contraceptives before and after exposure to contraceptive-related content on TikTok. Preliminary findings indicate that TikTok plays a significant role in increasing the awareness of contraceptive methods among COOU female students. The platform's engaging and informative content fosters an informal learning environment that facilitates discussions around sensitive topics, breaking down barriers and reducing stigmas associated with contraception. Moreover, TikTok's interactive nature allows for peer-to-peer communication, enabling students to share experiences and advice, leading to enhanced knowledge exchange and increased confidence in contraceptive decision-making. The research recommended that TikTok creators should ensure that the information shared on contraceptives is accurate and reliable and partner with experts to add credibility to the content.