Kelechi Andrew
University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Title: Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use among Females in Public Secondary Schools in Local Government Area in Nigeria
Biography
Biography: Kelechi Andrew
Abstract
Introduction: Unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions among adolescents are major public health problems and seems to be on the rise with a declining age of sexual debut among adolescents. Most sexual activity among them are usually spontaneous without any form of protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of sexual activity and contraceptive use among the female secondary school students.
Methods: The study used a cross sectional descriptive design and a multistage random sampling method. A total of 315 secondary school students were sampled using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer- assisted questionnaire, data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) Version 20.0.
Results: The response rate of respondents was 96.83% vs 3.17% non-respondents. Participants were aged 13-18 years with mean age of 15.45 years, 95% Confidence interval, Standard Deviation of 1.33.
The results indicate prevalence of sexual activity of 32.79%, mean age of sexual debut as 14.07 years with a 95% confidence interval and standard deviation of 1.83. The rate of contraceptive ever used by the sexually active respondents was 35%, 34% had used at their last sexual intercourse, while 20% were consistent in their contraceptive use. The methods used include condom, post coital pills, and withdrawal method. Condom was the method mostly used. Most of the respondent’s reason for contraceptive use was to avoid pregnancy, only 1% of those who used had their reason to prevent sexually transmitted disease.
Conclusion: The finding of this study showed that younger females are engaging in sexual activity without protection and thus the urgent need to introduce school based safe sexual and reproductive health education to increase adolescents’ access to it.