Knowledge And Practice Of Contraceptive Use Among Female Student Of Department Of Nursing Sciences ESUT Parklane Enugu

Project and Seminar Material for Nursing (Science)

Knowledge And Practice Of Contraceptive Use Among Female Student Of Department Of Nursing Sciences ESUT Parklane Enugu (Obong)

Abstract

Access to contraceptive has become increasingly crucial for adolescents because many are sexually active at earlier ages than in the past. This will further compound overall levels of maternal mortality in Nigeria tertiary institutions. This research was specifically designed to determine the knowledge and utilization of contraceptives among female students in ESUT. A total of 107 questionnaires were distributed and 97 were retrieved. majority of respondents were within the age bracket of 20-24 years of 35.1%. 79.4 % of the respondents were single. More than half (95%) of the respondents knew about contraceptives. Reason for the lack of detailed knowledge on this subject may be linked to the sources of information; majority of the students got to know about contraception from their friends/peers (39.2%). The study disclosed that there is a high number of females students who practiced sexual intercourse which may result into unintended pregnancy. Also revealed that there is a low trend of use of modern contraceptives for inadequate knowledge. It is therefore recommended that the use of contraceptives amongst undergraduate female students that are attributed to esteem and habit of students should be reviewed for preferred methods and legally backed practice and use of contraceptives by undergraduates.

Table of Content

Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of Content
List of Tables
Abstract

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
1.10 Organisations of the Study

Chapter Two:

Review of Literature

2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review

Chapter Three:

Research Methodology

3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample Size Determination
3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
3.6 Method of Data Collection
3.7 Method of Data Analysis
3.8 Validity of the Study
3.9 Reliability of the Study
3.10 Ethical Consideration

Chapter Four:

Data Presentation and Analysis

4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Analysis of Data
4.3 Answering Research Questions
4.4 Test of Hypotheses

Chapter Five:

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
References
APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Adolescent females aged 15-19 account for over 14 million births each year, 91 percent of these in low and middle-income countries. Six million adolescent pregnancies are unintended and occur in the context of low contraceptive prevalence (Kennedi, Siula, Harris, Humphreys, Maluerus & Gray (2013) ) (Owusu-Agyei, Nettey, Zandoh, Sulemana, Adda, Amenga-Etego, & Mbacke, (2012). Chhabra, & Sing (2016) reported that One of the challenges facing family planning programs worldwide is the birth control knowledge and practices amongst adolescents when exposed to the risk of pregnancy. According to United Nations Population Fund, family planning/contraceptive services are defined as the right of all couples and individual to decide freely and responsible the number and spacing of their children and to have the information and means to do so (Dancat, & Njau, 2013).

Less than one third of currently married adolescent females in low and middle income countries who want to avoid pregnancy are using a modern method of contraception, and more than 60 percent would like to avoid or delay pregnancy but are not able to do so (Kintampo Health Research Centre Annual Report 2012). The World Health Organization defines adolescents as people ranging from 10 to 19 years of age when young individuals transit into adulthood (WHO, 2014). Curtis (2015) defines adolescence as years between the onset of puberty and establishment of social independence. Sexual and reproductive health is an important issue to every stakeholder in the global health sector particularly with regard to the youth and adolescents (Ugwu, 2012). 13% of all maternal deaths. The cause of this degenerating health condition of adolescent girls, according to Ugwu (2012), is lack of knowledge and access to contraception. Consequently, Tayo, Akinola, Babatunde, Adewumi, Osinusi, and Shittu, (2011) suggested active and intensive promotion of sexuality education, and contraceptive knowledge and use among the youth in the Sub-Saharan Africa as a way of addressing this anomaly.

In Nigeria, there is a persistent reluctance by health workers to provide adolescents with contraceptives and also of the adolescents to seek contraceptive services. (Chandra-mouli, Parameshwer, parry, (2017). This is based largely on the premise that the culture does not support pre-marital sexual activity and that providing the services will promote promiscuity (Chandra et al 2017). However, several studies have revealed that a large number of adolescents are experiencing early sexual debut, some as early as 13 years. Furthermore, mortality resulting from termination of unwanted pregnancies is on the increase among Nigerian adolescents. (Adelokunbo, Tayo, Oluwarotimi, Akinola, Babatunde, Adewumi, Osinusi & Shittu (2011).

Contraception is one of the essential elements of youth reproductive health and it allows youth to determine the timing and the number of their children and empowers them to manage their lives with respect and dignity (Ugwu, 2012). Ugwu, (2012) added that adolescent reproductive health is increasingly being recognized as one of the major determinant of human development. Among the essential development concern, contraception or prevention of unwanted early pregnancies is considered to have a significant potential in improving the status of youth (Ugwu, 2012). Knowledge and use of contraceptives among youth showed very wide variation among region of sub- Saharan Africa than other regions of the world (Ugwu 2012). In confirmation of this, study among youth aged 15-19 in Ghana, revealed that 85% knows at least one method of contraception while only 17% of sexually active youth use contraceptives, the rate for any method was 27% (Ugwu 2012). Similar study in Nigeria has revealed that over 60% of urban youth have heard of at least one method but only 4.7% of active youth practice contraceptives of which 3.5% of them practice modern methods (Ugwu 2012). Another study in Kenya indicate that 90% of Kenyan high school students knew at least one method, 49% of male and 43% of female student ever used contraceptives (Ugwu 2012). The same study also revealed an increase in contraceptive use from 25% versus 28% during the first to 31% versus 29% during the last intercourse among male and female students respectively. However, only 11% of ever users considered themselves as frequent users (Ugwu 2012). Knowledge of contraceptive method among youth in most countries of Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Near east and North Africa exceed 90% (Ugwu 2012).

According to Hagan & Buston (2012), various studies conducted in Ghana show that the awareness of young people about contraceptives and where to obtain them is high. Results from the 1998 Ghana Youth Reproductive Health Survey (GYRHS) indicated that 76% of female and 88% of males all aged between 15 and 19 years were aware of at least one modern family planning method.

The condom was the most reported method known by 77% and 66% of males and females respectively. However, adolescents’ knowledge of some specific methods is superficial (Hagan, & Buston, 2012). For example, data from the 1998 GYRHS show that 49% of females and 25% of males all aged between 12 and 24 years knew of the pill.

Contraceptive use has increased worldwide but in Nigeria, especially among the adolescents, there seem to be a persistent gap between high sexual activity and contraceptive use in the presence of high contraceptive awareness (Chukwuma, Iwu, Diwe, Uwakwe, Meremu, Emerole & Oluoha, 2015). Knowledge of contraceptive method is the first step toward accepting a method (Ugwu 2012). In all regions, knowledge of any modern method of contraception is nearly universal among both young women and men. However, a considerable proportion of youth in Sub-Saharan Africa do not know of a modern method; Chad is the most notable examples- only 49% of this country’s young women and 72% of its young men know of a modern method. Ugwu 2012 further observed that other countries with low levels of knowledge of any contraceptive method include Madagascar, Mali and Nigeria. Overalls, knowledge of any method is somewhat higher among young men than young women and knowledge levels are generally higher in countries outside Sub-Saharan Africa (Dancat, & Njau, 2013).

Factors that contribute to lack of contraceptive use or inconsistent use include issues related to adolescent development, such as reluctance to acknowledge one’s sexual activity, belief that one is immune from the problems or consequences surrounding sexual intercourse or pregnancy, and denial of the possibility of pregnancy. (Feinstein, Fisher, Rome & Yancy (2007)). Other important factors are lack of education and misconceptions regarding use or appropriateness of contraception. However, an adolescent’s level of knowledge about how to use contraception effectively does not necessarily correlate with consistent use. Adolescents may not use or may delay use of contraception for several reasons including lack of parental monitoring, fear that their parents will find out, ambivalence, and the perception that birth control is dangerous or causes unwanted adverse effects such as weight gain. This study sought to assess knowledge and use of contraceptives among adolescents in selected secondary schools in Ife central local government.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

It have been observed that most in-school female students have been engaged in unsafe sex practices thereby increasing their vulnerability to unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortion (Osakinle, E.O. 2013). Every year throughout the world, the rate of unplanned pregnancies amongst students continues to increase due to lack of use of contraceptives.

Lack of awareness and knowledge on the availability and use of contraceptives is associated with the failure of their utilisation (MacPhail et al. 2007). The high rate of unplanned pregnancies caused multiple challenges for academic institutions across the world and Nigeria inclusive. These challenges relate to high dropout rates by students, serious financial losses for academic institutions and an increased drain on public sector funds (Vermaas 2010).

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of contraceptive use among female student of department of nursing sciences Esut Parklane Enugu. To achieve this, the following specific objectives emerged; Specific objectives of this study are to:

Investigate the knowledge of contraceptives of adolescents among female student of department of nursing sciences Esut Parklane Enugu;
Determine the usage level of Contraceptives among female student of department of nursing sciences Esut Parklane Enugu;
Identify factors enhancing the use of contraceptives among female student of department of nursing sciences Esut Parklane Enugu;
Investigate adolescents’ sources of information on use of contraceptives; and examine barriers to the accessibility of contraceptive services to secondary school adolescents.

1.4 Research Question

The following questions will guild this study;

What is the level of contraceptives knowledge among female student of department of nursing sciences Esut Parklane Enugu?
What is the usage level of contraceptives among female student of department of nursing sciences Esut Parklane Enugu?
What are the factors enhancing use of contraceptives among female student of department of nursing sciences Esut Parklane Enugu?
What are the sources of information on contraceptives among female student of department of nursing sciences Esut Parklane Enugu?
What are the barriers to the accessibility of contraceptive to the female student of department of nursing sciences Esut Parklane Enugu?

1.5 Hypotheses of the Study

Ho: There is no significant difference in knowledge of contraceptives and age categories of adolescents.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will provide useful information that would help policy makers to revamp family planning services for in-school students in Nigeria. Theoretically, this study will assist the students in understanding the extent and consequences of ineffective use of contraceptives.
Practically, the data generated from the study will be used by future researchers to explore other ways of reducing unwanted pregnancy, maternal mortality and morbidity and sexually transmitted diseases. The knowledge that will be obtained from this study is intended to create public awareness on the importance and proper use of contraceptive method. However, feasible policy strategies that are going to enhance or address students sexual and reproductive health are likely to emanate from the study and will aid the young people and society at large, on the use of effective family planning methods.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is on knowledge and practice of contraceptives among female students, specifically focused on the extent to which female students participate in sexual intercourse, the factor behind low trend on the use of modern contraceptives by female students and the dissemination of information on the need and use of contraceptive by female students. Hence the study is delimited to female students of department of nursing sciences ESUT Parklane Enugu.

1.8 Limitation of Study

Financial constraint: Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted to research work.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Adolescents:

In this study, adolescents refer to a distinct group in terms of their health needs and opportunities to reach them with preventive health programs. According to World Health Organization, adolescents are defined as those aged between 10 and 19 years of age.

Contraception:

It refers to artificial methods/techniques for prevent pregnancy through temporal or permanent means. Pernoll (1994) stated that contraception is practiced for many reasons, such as pregnancy planning, limiting the number of children, avoiding medical risks of pregnancy and controlling of world population.

Contraceptive Methods:

It refers to artificial device use for prevention of individual from both pregnancy and HIV/STIs.

Unsafe Sex:

This is the practice of sexual activities that carry a higher risk of negative consequences. In this work, it is activities that involve exchange or contact with semen, vaginal fluids, penile or vaginal discharges, or bloods at high risk.

1.10 Organization of the Study

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows.

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.
Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.
Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.
Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations:

5.1 Introduction

This chapter summarizes the findings into the assessment on the knowledge and practice of contraceptive use among female student of department of nursing sciences ESUT parklane enugu among female students using ESUT y as case study. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.

5.2 Summary of the Study

In this study, our focus was to assess the knowledge and practice of contraceptives among female students using ESUT y as case study. The study specifically was aimed at identifying the extent to which female students participate in sexual intercourse; Investigate if the factor behind low trend on the use of modern contraceptives by female students and Investigate if there is an adequate dissemination of information on the need and use of contraceptive by female students.

The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 97 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are active students of the selected institution.

5.3 Conclusions

Based on the findings of this study, the researcher made the following conclusion.

There is a low trend of use of modern contraceptives due to inadequate knowledge.
Lack of detailed knowledge on this contraceptives is as a result of the sources of information.
Majority of the students got to know about contraception from their friends/peers.
A high number of females students who practiced sexual intercourse.

5.4 Recommendation

With respect to the findings of this study, below are the researcher’s recommendation;

Programmes to increase young females’ knowledge of all contraceptive methods and their effective use are required. The improvement and consistent use of contraceptives was also recommended by another study (Frost, Lindberg & Finer 2012:107).
Health care workers should give adequate, accurate and detailed information about the possible side effects of contraceptives to decrease their inconsistent use.
They should also stress the importance of consistent contraceptive use, especially condoms, to prevent not only unplanned pregnancies but also sexually transmitted diseases, considering the low percentage of students using condoms.
Provision of information about contraceptive should also include the possible sources of contraceptives, especially where it could be accessed without embarrassment by the providers.
Creating public awareness (especially on parents, teachers and service providers to create supportive environment to inform youth abut sexuality, encourage abstinence and reduce barrier’s to use of contraceptive by sexually active youth.