Sexual Behaviour and Contraceptive Usage Among In-School Adolescents in Nigeria: Evidence From Isiala Ngwa North, Abia State

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the relationship between sexual behaviour and contraceptive usage among adolescents in senior secondary schools in Abia State, Nigeria. Some 300 students were purposively selected from two secondary schools in Abia state. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection and data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. findings showed that majority of the students (approx. 57%) in the two schools were already involved in sexual activity. Results of the study also indicated that majority of the adolescents have heard about contraceptives predominantly (>70%) from the internet, however, their level of knowledge of contraception is low (<60% of the maximum point on scale of measure) and perception of use of contraceptives poor (≤46% of the maximum point on scale of measure). Further result shows that the use of contraceptives by the adolescents was very low ((≤17% of the maximum point on scale of measure). The most common contraceptive used among the respondents is the condom (31%). The study recommends a more intentional contraception intervention that will affect the knowledge and attitude of the adolescents positively.