Abstract:
Contraceptives are regarded as reliable methods of avoiding unplanned pregnancies and in some cases the safest ways of preventing sexually transmitted infections. However, adolescents have several misconceptions and misinformation on contraceptives and therefore engage in sexual activities without wanting to use it. This study assessed the adolescents' knowledge and usage (or non-use) of contraceptives. Four hundred and sixty-five (465) respondents between the ages of 10 to 19 were randomly selected and given questionnaires to volunteer information. The study found that all the respondents had heard about contraceptives and a little over a third had used or still using one form or another of contraceptive as a protection. Again, the study found that though some of the respondents were using or had used contraceptives they were having some misconceptions and misinformation on it and this acts as barriers for them in using contraceptives. The respondents therefore suggested that if more education is given to them on contraceptives such misconception and misinformation could be eliminated. The study concludes that contraceptive usage was prevalent among the respondents; however, there is a relationship between the respondents’ age and usage of the contraceptives. The study recommended that stakeholders should find ways to take the right and accurate information to the respondents using word-of-mouth as a medium. This could be done by using social clubs, parents and friends as contact persons. The findings of this study could be used as a basis for training in public health institutions and other stakeholders interested in adolescents' sexuality and behaviours.
