Sexual Activity and Contraceptive use among University Female Undergraduates in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria

Utoo BT^1*, Unazi EU¹, Eka PO¹, Utoo PM², Maanongun MT¹.

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and ²Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University/Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

*Correspondence

Utoo BT

Email: bernardutoo@yahoo.com

Tel: +2348033725168

Abstract

High sexual activity with low contraceptive use among young women could give rise to complications such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This study was aimed at determining sexual activities and contraceptive usage among female undergraduate students. It was a cross-sectional study using pretested self-administered questionnaires to collect data on socio-demographic variables, sexual activities and contraceptive use. Out of the four hundred and thirty-one (431) students studied, three hundred and four (70.5%) were sexually active. The average age of sexual debut was 19.5 years. One hundred and twenty-seven (41.8%) had more than one sexual partner. Money was the reason for sex in more than one- third (37.4%). Contraceptive awareness and usage among the respondents were 414(96.1%) and 255(85.0%) respectively. The male condom was the commonest 160(52.4%) contraceptives used. Majority 285(65.9%) of the respondents believed contraceptive use could prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. There was a significant relationship between awareness of contraception and level of study (0.003). Those who were sexually active were more likely to use a contraceptive method (<0.000001) and contraceptive method users were less likely to have an STI (0.000003). The study showed a high level of sexual activity, contraceptive knowledge and usage. Girl child education, provision and promotion of utilization of reproductive health services should be sustained to safeguard the sexual health of young women.

Keywords: Contraceptives, Reproductive services, Sexual practices, STI, Undergraduates.