Adolescents’ Knowledge, Attitude and Utilization of Emergency Contraceptive Pills in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of MCH and AIDS
Abstract
Background and Objective: Risky sexual activity among adolescents is on the increase and
contraceptive prevalence rate is low which is evidenced by high rate of teenage pregnancy in Bayelsa
state, Nigeria. This study assesses the adolescents’ knowledge, attitude and utilization of emergency
contraceptive pills (ECP) in Amassoma Community, Bayelsa State, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional research design. A purposive sampling technique
was used to select a sample of 220 respondents from the target population. Data were collected using
a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data
generated.
Results: Majority of the respondents had high level of knowledge and positive attitude towards
emergency contraceptive pills but had low level of utilization. Concerns about what others may say,
parental attitude, contraceptive availability, contraceptive accessibility, and peer influences were the major
factors that influenced the utilization of contraceptive pills. There was no significant relationship between
knowledge and utilization of emergency contraceptive pills, as well as level of knowledge and their
utilization of emergency contraceptive pills.
Conclusions and Global Health Implications: Adolescents in the study were more likely to use
emergency contraceptive pills, if parents and others reaction to adolescents’ contraceptive use were
positive about those. Health care professionals, especially nurses, should organize enlightenment programs
to educate adolescents, parents and the public on the benefits of adolescents’ contraceptives use,
especially ECP.
Description
Keywords
Knowledge • Family Planning • Attitude • Utilization • Adolescents • Emergency Contraceptive Pills