Adolescents' knowledge and use of contraceptives: A case study in three selected senior high schools in Sekondi Takoradi metropolis

Abstract

The objective of the study was to find out adolescents knowledge and use of contraceptives in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis. Three hundred adolescent male and female students were randomly selected from three senior high schools in the Metropolis to constitute the sample for the study. The instrument that was used to collect data was a questionnaire. Frequency distribution and percentages were used to summarise the data. The findings from the study indicated that adolescents have much knowledge about contraceptives but few use them. They are familiar with condoms and femidom and most of them use them because they are easy to use. Some parents, guardians and church members disapprove of the use of contraceptives. They obtained information on contraceptives from their peers at school. They submitted that contraceptives are important for them since they prevent unwanted pregnancies and contraction of HIV/ AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The researcher recommended that there should be guidance and counselling programmes in the schools to counsel the adolescent students on issues concerning their reproductive health and the use of contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.