AN INVESTIGATION ON THE UTILIZATION AND EFFECTS OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG FEMALE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OKPANAM COMMUNITY, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

AN INVESTIGATION ON THE UTILIZATION AND EFFECTS OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG FEMALE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OKPANAM COMMUNITY, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study 

In an emergency, a contraceptive is used as a method of contraception (more commonly known as the morning after pill). The contraceptive pill is designed to function similarly to the female hormone progesterone, allowing for pregnancy prevention when used for an extended period of time (Onyeli, 2012). Contraception should be used no later than three days after unprotected intercourse. However, it has been shown to be more effective when therapy begins prior to sexual contact (Mark, 2014). Contraception has the potential to reduce unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions significantly, particularly in Nigeria. Contraception use remains low in Nigeria, despite growing knowledge among educated young women. As a result, this study looks into the health effects of contraception among females.

Students in secondary school.

Omeke (2013) discovered that adolescents considered condom use and abstinence to be the most effective methods of preventing unintended pregnancy. Many participants, on the other hand, were unaware of the availability of emergency contraception. Adolescents frequently relied on untested and unusual contraception methods such as Ampiclox, “Alabukun,” salt water solution, and lime and potash, believing they were effective in preventing unintended pregnancies (Johnson, 2015). Zuchi (2013) discovered that a lack of information about emergency contraception, reliance on unproven crude contraceptive methods, and misconceptions about modern contraception all serve as barriers to emergency contraception use in respondents’ narratives about methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies. Contraception is also the practice of preventing pregnancy through the use of a medicine or device. It could be used as a result of unprotected sexual contact, contraceptive failure, compelled unprotected sex, or sexual assault (Harzan, 2016). According to studies, the prevalence of unintended pregnancy is quite high worldwide, and an unwanted pregnancy is the primary reason women seek abortions. In areas where abortion is prohibited, contraception may be critical in reducing unintended pregnancies. However, based on the available research, emergency contraception has not been shown to reduce the incidence of unwanted pregnancies at the population level (James, 2011, Kally, 2018, and Helnany, 2014). Many unintended pregnancies are terminated in both safe and dangerous situations. In Nigeria, more than half of unintended pregnancies are terminated in dangerous settings, resulting in fatalities and major complications. Abortion-related mortality is estimated to account for 8% of all deaths.

of all maternal deaths worldwide. Unfortunately, young women in Nigeria, particularly those in secondary school, account for half of all abortion-related deaths. As a demographic group, secondary school girls clearly have a distinct need for contraception.

The health effects of the contraceptive must be investigated to determine whether they are beneficial or detrimental to secondary school girls; when used throughout the menstrual cycle, the preparation may suppress ovulation. The pill has the potential to alter a woman’s menstrual cycle. Your next period could start earlier or later than expected, with a lighter or heavier flow than usual. It may cause nausea in approximately 25% of users, causing them to vomit. It may also cause bleeding problems in some cases, around 2-3 days after taking the pill. It

may occasionally cause breast soreness, headaches, dizziness, and tiredness (Odenna, 2014).

In the event of persistent or excessive bleeding, a gynecological exam is advised. If the user has a history of asthma, heart failure, hypertension, migraine, epilepsy, renal impairment, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, depression, or stroke, the product should only be used in an emergency. It is not suitable for everyday use. Contraception, on the other hand, is extremely harmful to young girls. The majority of secondary school girls may disregard the guidelines, which could harm their health.

1.2 Problem Description

Female students worldwide are at risk of unintended pregnancies due to contraceptive ineffectiveness or non-use (Tsui, 2010). As a result, they may be unable to complete their studies.

education, keeping a profitable job, or making independent marital choices (Coetzee and Ngunyulu, 2015). The community, local government, and public health are all concerned about sexual behaviors among young students. These behaviors, particularly premarital sexual activities, appear to be becoming more popular among Nigerian students (Chimah et al., 2016), owing to factors such as rapid urbanization and increased social media exposure (Mehra et al., 2012). As a result, adolescents face a variety of sexual and reproductive health issues. Among them are sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs), particularly HIV, as well as adolescent and unintended pregnancies (Rose-Clarke) (2019). Similarly, Tunle (2015) stated that abortion remains a contentious issue in Nigeria.

According to statistics, Nigeria has the lowest demand for and use of contraception among 15-19-year-olds (Tsui, 2017).

Notably, adolescents’ high pregnancy rates have been exacerbated by limited access to family planning services and unfavorable attitudes toward teenage contraception use among health care providers (Radovich, 2018).

The goal of this study was to see how well female secondary school students understood the use and effects of contraception.

1.3 The Study’s Objective

The overall goal of this study is to critically examine the use and effects of contraception among female secondary school students in Okpanam, Delta State. As a result, the research will be focused on the following specific goals:

1. Determine the level of female students’ awareness of the need for contraception.

2. Determine the extent to which female students use contraception.

3. Determine whether negative attitudes of health workers have an impact.

Female students’ use of contraception.

4. Determine the level of knowledge of female students regarding the implications of contraceptive use.

1.4 Research Issue

The following questions will guide this research:

1. What is the level of awareness among female students about the need for contraception?

2. What is the percentage of female students who use contraception?

3. Do negative attitudes of health workers influence female students’ use of contraception?

4. What is the level of knowledge among female students about the consequences of using contraception?

1.5 Importance Of The Research

It is hoped that the findings of this study will spur grassroots efforts to raise awareness about the use of contraception among young people.

Furthermore, subsequent

It will be used as a review of the literature by the researchers. This means that other students who decide to conduct research in this area will be able to use this study as available literature that can be critically reviewed. Invariably, the study’s findings add significantly to the body of academic knowledge about the use and effects of contraception among female secondary school students in Okpanam, Delta State.

1.6 The Study’s Scope

The purpose of this study is to look into the use and effects of contraception among female secondary school students in Okpanam, Delta State. The study will, however, determine the level of female students’ awareness of the need for contraception, as well as the extent to which female students use contraception.

ascertain whether negative attitudes of health workers influences the use of contraceptives among female students, and ascertain the level of female students knowledge of the implications of the use of contraceptives.

The participants will be female students from various secondary schools in Okpanam, Delta State.

1.7 Study Restrictions

The researcher encountered minor constraints while conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. Inadequate funds tend to impede the researcher’s efficiency in locating relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited sample size. Furthermore, the researcher conducted this study while also working on other academic projects. As a result of this, the amount of time

The amount of money spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Terms Definition

Female: a sex capable of bearing offspring or producing eggs, distinguished biologically by the production of gametes (ova) that can be fertilized by male gametes.

Hormonal and barrier contraception are two types of contraception. There are approximately 15 different types of contraceptives available that allow you to have sex without the risk of becoming pregnant. Condoms, the diaphragm, the contraceptive pill, implants, IUDs (intrauterine devices), sterilization, and the morning after pill are among the birth control methods available.

The conclusion that can be drawn from something even if it is not explicitly stated.