Determinants of modern contraceptive use among married female undergraduates at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to find out the determinants of modern contraceptive use among married female undergraduates. Four objectives were raised to guide the study. The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 300 out of a population of 2,600. Convenient sampling technique was used, and data were obtained using self-constructed 14 – items questionnaires. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. The findings revealed that all the respondents were knowledgeable about modern contraception. The source of information on modern contraception was mostly from health personnel (51.5%). Oral pill, injectable or implant and natural methods of modern contraception were the methods that majority of respondents know about. The majority of the respondents (84%) approved the use of modern contraception.  The study also showed that 74.6% were currently using modern contraception while 25.4% were not. The method of modern contraception use by most respondents was a natural method (42.2%), an oral pill, injectable or implant (37.8%) and intrauterine contraceptive device (15.5%) in that order. The major factors that determine respondent’s choice of modern contraception were knowledge (42.7%), safety (19.5%) and religion/culture (16%). There is need to sustain the level of awareness of the women on modern contraception. This could be achieved through mass media, talk, shows and posters.

Keywords: Modern contraception, health personnel, awareness, undergraduates.