CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG IN SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Sexuality is expressed throughout an individual’s whole life, most prominently during adolescent. The reproductive choices made during the period of adolescence produce great effects on an individual’s health, education and, career prospects. It also influences adolescent’s overall transition into adulthood. The major objectives of this study are to determine the level of awareness on contraceptives among adolescent in selected secondary schools in Oredo local government area; as well as to ascertain if contraceptives are commonly used by adolescents in the area. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. Quantitative data were collected from 374 respondents which were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages and pie- charts. The result from the study showed that there was a significant difference across gender regarding level of awareness about contraceptives with female adolescents having some edge over their male counterparts. However, contraceptive use among adolescents in the area was very low. This has led to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions as well as pregnancy- related mortality and mobility. The need to strengthen reproductive health education among in-school adolescents in Oredo local government area of Edo state, Nigeria was recommended.