Sexuality, Contraceptive Choice and AIDS Awareness among Nigerian Undergraduates

TLDR

A survey of 2,388 Nigerian undergraduates found that 87 % were sexually active, 66 % had multiple partners, 17.5 % had clandestine abortions, most were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS yet few used precautions, 87.5 % knew about contraception but only 34.2 % used it, and 58 % obtained contraceptives from pharmacy shops, indicating attitudes below expectations. The study recommends establishing specially designated centres with trained personnel in universities to provide appropriate contraceptive services and address students’ reproductive health needs.

Abstract

A survey of 2388 Nigerian undergraduates revealed that 87% were sexually active and 66% had more than one sexual partner, while 17.5% have had clandestine abortions. All respondents were quite knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS but few sexually active ones took precautions to prevent HIV transmission. Majority (87.5%) were knowledgeable about contraception and approved of its use, but only 34.2% were current users of contraceptives. About 58% of these cited pharmacy shops as their source of contraceptives. The attitudes of the students were below expectation. Specially designated centres for the provision of appropriate contraceptive services to students by trained personnel are needed in the institutions in order to tackle their reproductive health problems.