ABSTRACT
This study investigated the knowledge and practice of contraception among female undergraduate in the University of Benin. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The questions bothered on the level of contraceptive knowledge among female undergraduate, the extent to which female undergraduate practice contraception, the methods known to female undergraduate and the indices of sexually transmitted diseases known among female undergraduate in the university of Benin.
A descriptive survey design was employed in carrying out the study. The population for this study was made up of all female undergraduate in the University of Benin. The estimated population was 19,288 (academic planning unit; student affairs department 2020). A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 170 respondents. An instrument titled “knowledge and practice of contraception among female undergraduate” was used for data collection. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive analysis namely; frequency counts and percentage.
The findings revealed that the level of contraceptive knowledge and practice is high among female undergraduate in university of Benin. It was also noted that most of the method of contraceptive is known among female undergraduate in university of Benin like that of barrier method, hormonal method, emergency contraception and permanent birth control method. Based on the study it was concluded that majority of sexually active female students are not exposed to consequences of unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases. In line with the findings, the following recommendations were made: In the interest of public health, contraceptives should be made readily available to students and also be distributed free to higher institutions, counseling centres should be established and contraceptives sold at a low price. Also, The government and contraceptive experts should deliver contraception counselling services, in which first-time contraceptive users can access accurate information about possible side effects and current users can receive follow-up consultation where any concerns about side effects can be discussed and alternative options explored.
