PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF DONALD EKONG HOSTEL OF UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT, CHOBA, RIVERS STATE.

PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF DONALD EKONG HOSTEL OF UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT, CHOBA, RIVERS STATE.

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to determine the perception and utilization of contraceptive pills among undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State. The study employed the use of descriptive design to establish the nature of the associations. The validity and reliability of research instruments were established and data was collected from 159 respondents out of the total target population of 264 using Taro Yamane’s formula. A structured questionnaire was constructed and used for this study. The questionnaire was divided into five sections; the socio-demographic data, perception of contraceptive pills, sexual history, utilization of contraceptives, and the barriers to effective of contraceptive pills. To analyze the data, software package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used and the data collected was presented on tables and histograms. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents had a good perception of contraceptive pills and the majority utilized contraceptive pills. From the results, the researcher found out that there is a low rate of unwanted pregnancies(9.2%) in contrast to her observation of an increased rate of pregnancies/abortions. From the results of the hypothesis testing, the researcher found out that there is no significant association between gender and utilization of contraceptives but there is a significant association between academic level and utilization of contraceptives. Based on the implications of the findings of the study to Nursing practice was discussed, recommendations were made about measures to be employed to minimize unwanted pregnancies/ abortions and suggestions for further study were also made.

Keywords: contraceptives, perception, utilization

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to study

The use of contraceptives is essential in preventing unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and abortion-related complications that expose youths to health-related risks such as infertility and sometimes death.

Unprotected sexual intercourse makes youths (females) susceptible to unwanted pregnancies, which may lead to abortion, abortion-related complications, and other health and social problems such as inferiority and dropping out of school. Unsafe sexual intercourse among undergraduates is common (Okereke, 2014)

The use of contraceptives is cost-effective measures to control youths’ deaths due to unintended and high-risk pregnancies. It leads to a reduction in population growth which subsequently leads to poverty reduction and preservation of the environment as well as demand for public goods and services (Osakinle,2012).

Although there is widespread awareness concerning contraception in Nigeria,  there is no proportional increase in the adoption of the contraception measures, a pointer to the fact that there are other variables that determine the uptake of contraception in Nigeria.

Youths’ ability to use contraceptives and to determine whether and when to have children enhances their education and employment chances; which in turn improves their income, mental health, and happiness as well as the well-being of their children.(Ogboghodo,Adam,Wagbatsoma, 2017)

Developing countries are characterized by rapid population growth which is usually due to high fertility rates, high birth rates, and low contraceptive prevalence rate (Oyedokun, 2013).  In Sub-Saharan Africa, the rate of population growth is high compared to the rest of the world due to the non-usage of contraceptives (USAID,2012).  Consequently, the number of people in need of health and education and basic infrastructure, among other public benefits, is enormous, this, in turn, requires large amounts of resources and personnel, and it may be an impediment toward the realization of the Millennium Development Goals. ( Adeyemi, Olugbenga, Adeoye, Salawu, Aderinoye &Agbaje 2015)

Promotion of contraceptive use in countries with high birth rates has the potential of reducing poverty and hunger, while at the same time averting 32% of all maternal deaths and nearly 10% of child mortality (Okech, Wawire & Mburu, 2011).

Harrison (2009) observed that the countries high mortality rate is attributed to her youth sexuality. The later is characterized by low contraceptive usage by the youth, high incidence of illegal abortion amongst the youth, ignorance of contraception among the youth and lack of sex education from parents and teachers.

Contraceptive prevalence rate is low at 13% in 2008 and with a minimal increase of 3% in 2013, compared to other countries such as the United States and Pakistan. (National Population Commission, 2014)

Contraceptives use is influenced by numerous factors including the perception individuals have towards contraception. Lack of contraceptive usage maybe as a result of lack of awareness/knowledge, lack of access, cultural barriers, religion, opposition from the partner or family members and fear of health risks and side effects of contraception which may be misguided. (Funmi, 2014)

By reduction of unwanted pregnancies, family planning services can reduce injury, illness, and death associated with childbirth, abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS.

• Statement of the problem

Studies in Nigeria indicate the high rate of sexual activities as well as limited use of contraceptives among undergraduates (Akabuike, 2009). The resultant effect of this result is an increased rate of unwanted pregnancy, maternal mortality rate, STI including HIV/AIDS, etc. The increasing number of pregnancies, abortions, and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS among the youth in sub-Saharan Africa indicates that successive efforts towards preventing the scourge remain inadequate in the continent. Many young people are sexually active with low contraceptive usage. This is a factor contributing to the unwanted/unintended pregnancy increasing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS among the youths.

However, the age at which the youths engage in sexual activities varies considerably depending on the various socializing influences and the opportunities available for practicing sexual behaviors (Atere 2010). Studies on youths’ sexual behavior in several parts of Nigeria have shown that pre-marital sexual activities are quite common especially among the undergraduates, as a result, unintended pregnancy arises when sexually active females do not use contraceptives or use them correctly. The tendency for young adults to engage in sexual activity without the use of contraceptives, despite exposure to educational programs, has led investigators to consider the potential predictors of contraceptive use. (Ugwu, 2012)

The significant problem associated with the issue under study is that despite the awareness of the use of contraceptives in Nigeria, the students of the University of Port Harcourt still do not use contraceptives which have been the cause of unwanted/unintended pregnancies. There are several cases of unwanted pregnancies, abortions, maternal mortality, and an increase in infant mortality and morbidity rates which results from the non-utilization of contraceptives.

Therefore, the problem of this study is to examine the perception and utilization of contraceptive pills among undergraduates in the University of Portharcourt Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria

• Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study is to identify ‘Perception and utilization of contraceptives among Undergraduates in University of Portharcourt Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria’

• Objective of the study

The objectives of this study are:

• • To identify if the gender of the University of Port Harcourt students affects their perception of contraceptive pills.
  • To determine if the academic level of respondents affects their utilization of contraceptive pills.
  • To identify if the ages of respondents affect their utilization of contraceptive pills.
  • To identify the different types/methods of contraceptives used by respondents.
  • To identify the barriers to the effective utilization of contraceptive pills.
• Significance of the study

It is hoped that this study “perception and utilization of contraception among University of Port Harcourt students” will have both theoretical and practical significance since it is geared towards addressing an issue that is fundamental to the society at large.

Theoretically, this study will contribute to already existing pieces of literature that will assist the youth in understanding the extent and consequences of the ineffective use of contraceptives.

Practically, the data generated from this 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 contraceptives.

The study will also give recommendations where possible to the government concerning contraceptive issues.

• Scope of the study

The study will focus on five variables, namely, gender, age, academic level of  University of Port Harcourt students, methods of contraceptives commonly used and barriers to effective utilization of contraceptive pills.

The study will be carried out in Mandela Hostel Block B and Claude Ake at the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.

• Research questions

The following research questions will be answered to meet the objectives of the study:

• • Does the gender of students affect their perception of contraceptives?
  • Does the academic level of students affect their utilization of contraceptive pills?
  • Does age affect the utilization of contraceptive pills?
  • What method of contraceptives is commonly used among undergraduates?
  • What are the barriers to the effective utilization of contraceptive pills?

• Hypotheses

1. There is no significant association between gender and perception of contraceptive pills.
2. There is no significant association between the academic level of students and their utilization of contraceptive pills.

• Operational definition:

This is the definition of terms used in this study according to the researcher.

• • Perception of contraceptives: perception of contraceptives is what students of the University of Port Harcourt think of contraceptives, their understanding of contraceptives.
  • Youths:  they are males and females within the ages of 16- 31 years.
  • Undergraduates/Students of the University of Port Harcourt:  they are the male and female residents of Mandela Hostel and Claude Ake Hostel respectively.
  • Contraception: is the voluntary prevention of pregnancy.
  • Contraceptives are various means, techniques, and devices used to prevent unwanted, unintended and unplanned pregnancy example condoms, Intrauterine devices (IUD).
  • Utilization: is how contraceptives are used.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background of study…………………………………………………….1

Statement of the problem……………………………………………….2

Purpose of the study…………………………………………………….3

Objective of study……………………………………………………….3

Significance of the Study……………………………………………….4

Scope of the study………………………………………………………4

Research questions………………………………………………..…….4

Hypotheses……………………………………………………………….5

Operational definition……………………………………………………5

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Conceptual review………………………………………………………6

Perception……………………………………………………………….6

Contraception and Contraceptives…………………………………….. 7

Types and methods of contraception……………………………….……7

Traditional methods………………………………………………………7

Modern methods………………………………………………………….9

Empirical review…………………………………………………..……17

Theoretical framework………………………………………………….20

Summary of Theoretical Framework……………………………………21

Application of theoretical framework to study…………………………22

Summary of literature review…………………………………………..23

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research design……………………………………………………..….25

Research setting ……………………………………………………….25

Target population………………………………………………………26

Sample/sampling technique……………………………………………26

Instrument for data collection………………………………….……..26

Validity of the instruments……………………………………………27

Reliability of instrument………………………………………………27

Method of data collection…………………………………………….27

Method of data analysis………………………………………………/27

Ethical consideration………………………………………………….27

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

Presentation and analysis of data

Hypothesis Testing

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Discussion of findings

Summary

Conclusion

Implications For Nursing

Recommendations Of Study

Limitations Of Study

Suggestion For Further Studies

REFERENCES

APPENDIX I: LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

APPENDIX II: QUESTIONNAIRE

APPENDIX III: TEST OF RELIABILITY

 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Showing socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents

Table 2: showing gender and perception of contraceptive pills

Figure 1: histogram representing gender and perception of contraceptive pills

Table 3: showing the academic level of respondents and their utilization of contraceptive pills

Figure 2: percentages of academic level of respondents and their utilization of contraceptive pills

Table 4: showing the age of respondents and their utilization of contraceptive pills

Figure 3: percentages of ages  of respondents and their utilization of contraceptive pills

Table 5: showing the methods of contraceptives commonly used among respondents

Table 6: showing barriers to effective utilization of contraceptive pills