Opinion and use of contraceptives among medical students of the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus.

BACKGROUND: Non-use or poor usage of any form of contraception increases the chances of unwanted pregnancies, abortion and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS occurring with attendant problems. The knowledge of, and the appropriate use of contraceptives will reduce the prevalence of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe induced abortion as well as limit incidence of STIs and associated complications.
OBJECTIVES: Determination of the opinion and use of contraceptives; to examine the socio-demographics, knowledge and attitude towards contraception and contraceptive use among medical undergraduates in the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study. Stratified probability sampling technique was employed using the different medical classes as strata. Individuals were subsequently chosen at random until a statistically determined sample size was achieved. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20) software was utilized for data analysis.
RESULTS: Our study found a statistically significant relationship between sex and contraceptive use. It was also statistically deduced that knowledge of possible contraceptives failure negatively impacts on opinion with regards to contraceptive use.
CONCLUSION: Positive opinion towards contraceptives will go a long way to encourage proper and effective contraceptives use. This can be achieved by utilizing counseling by health workers.

Introduction

Contraceptives use until recently has been a sensitive and controversial subject the world over more so in the traditional African society. In contemporary Nigeria, government's position on contraception has changed from a lukewarm attitude to a rather positive one. This has led to the inclusion of family planning as an integral component of maternal and child health.1

Contraception, also known as fertility control, means procedures employed to interfere, at one step or the other, with the normal sequence of events in the process of reproduction leading to a failure in conception.2

Various studies have shown that the non-use or poor usage of any form of contraception increases the chances of unwanted pregnancies, abortion (termination of pregnancies) and sexually transmitted diseases(STD), including HIV/AIDS occurring with their attendant problems.3 The radical change and increased sensitivity to contraceptives in Nigeria can be attributed to the increasing awareness of the government that the use of contraceptives as a means of regulating family size is an essential ingredient in socioeconomic development and a key element in population control strategies of most developed countries.

Facing up to adolescent sexuality remains a challenge in most societies. Governments in both developed and developing countries are somewhat reluctant to tackle adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues. Providing information and services for young people is still controversial despite the fact that people in many parts of the world now recognize that population policies and family planning programs have, in the past, neglected the needs of the young.3,4,5 Many adolescents have poor knowledge about sexuality and how to protect themselves against pregnancies and STD's.6

The world Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are approximately 20 million of unsafe abortions every year and estimates of maternal death as a result of abortion ranged between 60,000 to 100,000 per year.7 These unwanted pregnancies that end up in induced abortion can be prevented with consistent and correct use of contraceptives but there is a high level of ignorance among women on the use of contraceptives even amongst educated ones such as medical students.8,9,10 This is worsened by religious and cultural factors militating against the acceptance and use of contraceptives.

In justifying this study, the researchers looked from the perspective that the knowledge of, opinion and the appropriate use of contraceptives may go a long way in reducing the prevalence of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe induced abortion in the country. Generally, sexually active young adults are less likely to use contraception than adults and University students have been particularly identified as the most at risk for engaging in sexually risky behaviors.11

This study was conducted to determine the opinion and use of contraceptives. It also examined the socio-demographics, contraceptive use, knowledge and attitude towards contraception among medical undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus.

The research questions: What did undergraduate medical students know about contraceptives? What were their feelings and attitude to words contraceptives; and what were their reasons for use or non-use of contraceptives?

Objectives

To determine the attitude, knowledge and use of contraceptives among medical students of the University of Nigeria.

Methodology

Study area

The study was carried out at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus among the third to final year medical students. Enugu state lies within the semi-tropical rain forest belt in South Eastern Nigeria. It is about 223 meters above sea level with the city covering an area of 85m2. It is bounded by Kogi and Benue states to the North, Ebonyi state to the East, Abia state to the South and Anambra state to the West.12

The literacy level is about 70% and Enugu is accessible by air and land.

Residents are predominantly Ibo by tribe and Christians. They have diverse occupations mainly business, civil service, studying, farming and others. The University of Nigeria, Enugu campus is located in the heart of Enugu Town. It has four faculties one of which is that of medical sciences.13

Study population

The population studied was the 3rd year, 4th year, 5th year and 6th year students of the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

Study design & data collection

A cross-sectional study using a pre-tested, semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire.

A total of 272 questionnaires were shared and 243(89%) returned.

Sample size

The sample size was determined using the formula (see below)for sample size determination in cross-sectional studies originally described by Daniel14 but recently highlighted by Naing et al15. Formula: (Zα/2)2P(1−P)/d2

Z is the z-score for 95% confidence level, P is the assumed population prevalence, and d is the error. Assuming a confidence level of 95%, an α error of 5%, a prevalence of sexual activity among undergraduates in Enugu of 76.4% based on a previous study in Nigeria16; Z=1.96, P=0.8, and d=0.05. The minimum sample size required for the study was 272, making provision for non-response.

Sampling method

The University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus was chosen as the study area due to convenience. The stratified probability sampling was used, utilizing the different medical classes as the strata. Individuals from the different classes/strata were subsequently chosen at random until a determined sample size was achieved.

Data analysis

All questionnaires were checked for completeness and entered into statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20) software. Chi-square analysis was done and statistical significance tested. Data was summarized and presented in tables and a figure.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Medical students of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus of 3rd to 6th year classes who were available and willing to participate in the study were included in the study.

The students that didn't give consent were excluded from the study.

Ethical consideration

Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Informed verbal consent was obtained from the participants.

Results

Table 1 shows the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents.

Table 1

Socio-demographic characteristics

Characteristics	Number (Total=243)	Percentage (%)
Age Category
15–20	49	20.2
21–25	155	63.8
26–30	35	14.4
31–35	4	1.6
Sex
Male	173	71.2
Female	70	28.8
Tribe
Igbo	234	96.3
Yoruba	3	1.2
Hausa	1	0.4
Others	5	2.1
Religious denomination
Anglican	46	18.9
Catholic	117	47.7
Pentecostal	77	32.1
Traditional Religion	1	0.4
Others	2	0.8
Marital Status
Single	238	98
Married	5	2
Level of study
300	59	24.3
400	57	23.5
500	46	18.9
600	81	33.3

The 21–25 years age group formed 63.8% of the respondents; however none of the respondents was above 35 years of age. Male respondents out-numbered females by more than a 2:1 ratio. Igbos constituted the majority.

Table 2 shows that sex has a significant impact on contraceptives use.

Table 2

Sex of respondents who had previously used any contraceptive method

		Have you used any contraceptive method before
		NO	YES	Total
Sex	Female	61	8	69
	Male	131	43	174
Total		192	51	243

X2 (Chi-square) = 0.041; d.f. = 4; p < 0.05 (Significant)

Sex has a significant impact on the use of contraceptives.

Table 3 shows the religious denominations. The denominations did not have a statistically significant relationship with respondents' use of contraceptives.

Table 3

Respondents' religion/ denomination and feeling about contraceptive use

			HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CONTRACEPTIVE USE			Total
			APPROVE INDIFFERENT OPPOSE
RELIGION	ANGLICAN	Count	27	17	2	46
		% of Total	11.1%	7.0%	0.8%	18.9%
	CATHOLIC	Count	51	49	17	117
		% of Total	21.0%	20.2%	7.0%	48.1%
	JEHOVAH WITNESS	Count	1	0	0	1
		% of Total	0.4%	0.0%	0.0%	0.4%
	PENTECOSTAL	Count	43	26	8	77
		% of Total	17.7%	10.7%	3.3%	31.7%
	PRESBYTERIAN	Count	1	0	0	1
		% of Total	0.4%	0.0%	0.0%	0.4%
	TRADITIONAL RELIGION	Count	0	1	0	1
		% of Total	0.0%	0.4%	0.0%	0.4%
Total		Count	123	93	27	243
		% of Total	50.6%	38.3%	11.1%	100.0%

X2 = 0.467; d.f. = 10; p > 0.05 (Not significant)

Religion does not have a statistically significant effect on respondent's opinion on contraceptive use.

Table 4 shows contraceptive failure and student's opinion.

Table 4

Respondents' Knowledge of Contraceptives failure and opinion regards Contraceptive use

			Knowledge of Contraceptive failure		Total
			Yes	No
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CONTRACEPTIVE USE	APPROVE	Count	21	102	123
		% of Total	8.6%	42.0%	50.6%
	INDIFFERENT	Count	32	61	93
		% of Total	13.2%	25.1%	38.3%
	OPPOSE	Count	7	20	27
		% of Total	2.9%	8.2%	11.1%
Total		Count	60	183	243
		% of Total	24.7%	75.3%	100.0%

X2 = 0.014; d.f. = 2; p < 0.05 (Significant)

The knowledge of possible contraceptive failure negatively impacts on the opinion with regards to contraceptive use.

Table 5 deals with reasons for non-use of contraceptives. Figure 1 shows contraceptive methods, ever used and currently used methods by respondents.

Table 5

Reasons for non-use of contraceptives by respondents

	Frequency	Percent
NO RESPONSE	220	90.5
COST	4	1.6
AVAILABILITY	7	2.9
IGNORANCE	2	0.8
CHANCE	2	0.8
SEXUAL DISSATISFACTION	2	0.8
OTHERS	3	1.2
NO ACTIVITY	1	0.4
RELIGION	2	0.8
Total	243	100.0
NO RESPONSE	220	90.5
COST	4	1.6
AVAILABILITY	7	2.9
IGNORANCE	2	0.8
CHANCE	2	0.8
SEXUAL DISSATISFACTION	2	0.8
OTHERS	3	1.2
NO ACTIVITY	1	0.4
RELIGION	2	0.8
Total	243	100.0

The most common reason for non-use is unavailability (2.9%).

Figure 1

Complex bar chart showing contraceptive methods known by respondents, methods ever used and methods currently used by respondents.

Discussion

This study assessed the opinion and use of contraceptives among medical undergraduates of University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, South Eastern Nigeria.

It is known that education is the strongest predictor of knowledge and attitude towards contraceptives.17 The sample population consists of medical students, so a high knowledge of issues around contraceptives was anticipated. It is known that contraceptives can fail in some instances.17 In this study, it was found that knowledge of this possible contraceptives failure had a negative impact on opinion to use of same. This was similar to findings from other studies where negative perceptions about contraception affected utilization.18,19

In this study, we observed that there is no clear cut influence of religion on contraceptives use. Catholics who, formed the highest percentage of opposition (7.0%), paradoxically had the highest approval score. In fact only a small percentage of respondents disapproved the use of contraceptives solely on religious grounds. There was no significant effect of religion on respondent's opinion on contraceptives use.

The findings in this study are in contrast to those of previous studies that found that 82.2% of the participants rejected the use of contraceptives citing religious reasons and beliefs.20,21

Majority of respondents in this study were males. This could be explained by the fact that males form the majority of the medical students in the University of Nigeria. This should spur further studies on reasons for this apparent male predominance in our medical schools. In Nigeria, many young women of child bearing age still have very little knowledge of sex and sexuality.22 Sex is still a taboo subject that is rarely discussed between parents and offsprings.2 Many adolescents therefore do not look to their parents and teachers as a source of accurate information on sexuality relying on the internet, peers, with consequent misleading, incomplete or wrong information.

Young females and males joining universities often become sexually active partly due to peer-pressure, alcohol use, or as a result of a perceived sense of being in control of their social lives23. Sex in this study was found to have a significant impact on use of contraceptives.

Factors significantly associated with contraceptives use in this study are similar to those on Ugandan women where it was found that male condoms were the most commonly known and used contraceptives.24 Similar studies have been conducted in high and low income countries with similar findings.25,26

Low usage of other methods may be attributable to the fact that majority of the sample population are adolescents and unmarried youths who are more likely to use male condoms than other forms of contraception.

Reasons for non-use of contraceptives included cost, availability, ignorance, and sexual dissatisfaction. Most common reason for non-use was found to be non-availability which is similar to a previous study done in Nigeria. 27

Study limitations

The research topic required a number of private as well as sensitive questions to which some respondents didn't feel quite comfortable responding The respondents were therefore reassured of confidentiality of their identity and responses. Participant's names were not needed since questionnaires identification was with numbers.

At the time of data collection, most students were away on school holiday.

Conclusion

This study revealed a significant relationship between opinion towards contraceptives and use of contraceptives. Positive opinion towards contraceptives use would go a long way in encouraging improved, proper and effective contraceptive use. There is need to educate and counsel the students on sexuality, modern methods of contraception, and consider access to contraceptives as a fundamental human right.