Modern contraceptive use among unmarried girls aged 15–19 years in South Western Nigeria: results from a cross-sectional baseline survey for the Adolescent 360 (A360) impact evaluation

Abstract

Purpose Adolescents 360 (A360) is an initiative being rolled out across Nigeria with the aim of increasing voluntary modern contraception use among women aged 15 to 19 years. Using evaluation study baseline data, we identified sexuality, fertility and contraceptive use characteristics of young unmarried girls in South Western Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional baseline survey of unmarried girls aged 15 to 19 years was conducted in Ogun state, Nigeria in August 2017. A clustered sampling design was used. We identified determinants of modern contraceptive use in this subpopulation using logistic regression. Results Of 12,024 women interviewed, 15.3% reported sexual intercourse in the past year. The majority of respondents (79.6%, 9525/11,967) had heard of contraception. 45.3% of sexually active respondents were using a modern contraceptive method. Of those using any method of contraception, male condoms (50.3%) were the most widely used modern method followed by the emergency contraceptive pill (16.7%). Following adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics, there was evidence that the use of modern contraception was positively associated with having never given birth, living in an urban area, current enrolment in education, high level of education, high socioeconomic status, exposure to information about contraception, perceived social support for contraception, and self-efficacy for contraception. Conclusions In South Western Nigeria, unmarried sexually active adolescent girls have relatively low levels of modern contraceptive use. Programmes should aim to increase access to modern contraception and to increase social support and acceptability of contraceptive use.

Exploring the why: risk factors for HIV and barriers to sexual and reproductive health service access among adolescents in Nigeria

“…Past studies have identified an association between rape and HIV [ 52 , 53 ]. Our prior work in Nigeria had also confirmed this association [ 33 ], plus the high incidence of rape and forced sexual initiation [ 36 ], and attendant high-risk sexual behavior adopted as a negative coping mechanism among adolescent rape survivors [ 54 ].…”

O impacto do uso de métodos contraceptivos na adolescência: uma revisão integrativa

“…Muitas vezes ao apresentar o tema aos filhos, eles podem sentir que estão corrompendo a inocência do adolescente ou incentivando a promiscuidade, entendem como um incentivo ao início da prática sexual. Frequentemente nem mesmo os pais receberam a educação adequada sobre isso (Crawford, et. al., 2021).…”

Knowledge and attitude towards contraceptive use among adolescents in Africa: a systematic review

“…However, sexually active adolescents had greater level of knowledge compared to their counterparts who were less sexually active. 24 Another study yet in Nigeria, highlighted that, overall, adolescent boys were more knowledgeable on matters pertaining contraception compared to adolescent girls. Nonetheless, 61.5% of adolescent girls who participated in the study had sufficient knowledge of contraceptives.…”

“…For example, they feel ashamed to seek such services due to misinformation and the fact that society perceives these services to be for married women. 24,25 Apart from the discussed socio-demographic characteristics, other factors that affect knowledge of contraceptive use include policy, culture, religion and economic factors. According to Bekele et al adolescents who listen to radios and watch television are more exposed to such information.…”

“…In addition, those who perceive their husbands and friends to be less supportive of the use of modern contraception have lower odds of using modern contraception compared to those who have social support. 24 Adolescents' negative attitude towards contraception has been attributed to limit access to well packaged, age appropriate sexual and reproductive health services. In addition, the youth friendly services are offered Monday to Friday, days that the adolescents are at school.…”