Sexual Behaviour, Knowledge and Use of Contraceptives Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The reproductive health of young adult women is integral to the well being of a society. The independence, lifestyle and sociocultural environment within an undergraduate institution predisposes to sexual behaviour that has become a serious concern in Nigeria and the global community at large. Previous studies have shown that there is significant or sufficient knowledge of contraceptives, especially among the youth in universities. This study is aimed at determining data on the sexual behaviour, knowledge and use of contraceptive, with a view to what may be known and unknown among undergraduate university students in Delta State from the contextual point. The methodology employed for this study was a narrative literature review approach. In order to guide the researcher, four composite focus of inquiry included (1) healthy and risky sexual behaviours, (2) contraception, (3) determinants of choice and use of contraceptives, and (4) knowledge and use of contraceptives among undergraduate students. The finding of this study indicates abundance of knowledge about sexual health. However, two themes are of particular mention needing further attention. Firstly, characteristics of being sexually healthy seem to be mixed up with healthy sexual behaviour. Secondly, contraception usage does not seem to match acclaimed knowledge, which translates to risky sexual behavior. How the undergraduate girls are successfully preventing pregnancies in order to maintain uninterrupted education also seems to remain a gap in the literature. Further research will benefit to provide adequate information on these two themes.