CONTRACEPTION AND SEXUALITY AMONG STUDENTS OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

ABSTRACT

This research work centers on the contraception and sexuality among undergraduates in College of Education Ekiadolor in Ovia North East Local Government Area. From the findings, most undergraduates are involved in sexuality. They have knowledge of sex education, some use contraception like condoms and they do not believe in total abstinence before marriage. Recommendations made included special programmes to improve parent’s awareness of undergraduate’s sexual behaviour and reproductive health needs. Parents also need to discuss sex related issues with their children/wards.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to Study

Sexuality and contraception among students constitute a significant public health concern in both developed and developing countries. While awareness of HIV/AIDS as a life-threatening condition is relatively widespread among Nigerians, preventive measures against HIV transmission are inconsistently observed by sexually active individuals. Young people and adolescents face disproportionately high risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when contraceptives are not used correctly or consistently, owing to patterns of indiscriminate sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners (Akinbajo et al., 2024).

Heterosexual transmission continues to account for the majority of HIV cases in sub-Saharan Africa, a region that shoulders a disproportionate burden of the global HIV epidemic. According to UNICEF (2025), sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 65 per cent of all people living with HIV globally in 2024, with the spread driven predominantly by heterosexual contact. The HIV epidemic in Nigeria remains a serious concern, with prevalence rates particularly elevated among sexually active young people who engage in high-risk sexual behaviours (Njemkerk, Samje, & Atanga, 2024). STIs are most common among individuals under the age of 25 worldwide. Despite numerous interventions, young people continue to demonstrate limited knowledge of prevention strategies and inadequate use of contraceptives, resulting in high rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among students (Osadolor et al., 2022).

Unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion remain major reproductive health challenges among Nigerian undergraduates. Sanni et al. (2022) found that of the 182 million annual pregnancies in developing countries, 76 million are unintended and 66% of these occur among non-users of contraception. Two-thirds of unsafe abortions occur among women between the ages of 15 and 30 years, with almost 14% occurring among women aged 20 years or below. Many of these pregnancies are terminated illegally, putting the lives of young women at serious risk. Ibrahim et al. (2025) found that among undergraduate students, common reasons for resorting to unsafe abortion included academic commitments and contraceptive failure, with only 13.2% having undergone such procedures — though the risk was substantially elevated among those engaging in frequent unprotected sexual intercourse.

In most parts of Nigeria, sexual abstinence before marriage is the cultural and moral expectation for unmarried youths. However, evidence consistently shows that premarital sexual activity is high among adolescents. Kupoluyi et al. (2025) found that premarital sexual intercourse (PSI) predisposes never-married women to unwanted pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and high rates of school dropout. Abonyi et al. (2023) similarly reported in a study of adolescent students in Ebonyi State that premarital sexual activities are associated with high rates of school dropout, unintended pregnancy, abortion, and STIs. Parents, government, and NGOs have raised serious concerns about adolescent sexual activity, noting that adolescents who engage in sexual activity frequently fail to use contraceptives, thereby exposing themselves to the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The lower age limit for admission into most Nigerian higher institutions is 16–18 years, meaning the majority of undergraduates are in their late teens and early twenties. Most students live away from home, in school hostels and rented apartments, arrangements that weaken parental control and supervision. Students are often exposed to peer influences that encourage casual sexual relationships, and they must make personal decisions about their social and reproductive lives with limited guidance. Ehiaghe and Barrow (2022) found in a study conducted in Edo State that parental closeness significantly influences adolescent sexual behaviour, and that family structure and parental educational aspirations play a key role in shaping adolescent sexual decision-making. Unfortunately, the use of contraceptives among Nigerian students remains low due to the fear of side effects and negative cultural attitudes of parents and guardians toward contraceptive use (Ezenwaka et al., cited in Olajubu et al., 2025).

Additional factors contributing to risky sexual behaviour among undergraduates include the inconsistent integration of sex education into Nigerian school curricula. Osunmakinwa et al. (2022) documented that the integration of sexuality education into the school curriculum in Nigeria has faced inconsistencies due to sociocultural, religious, and policy-related challenges. Furthermore, Olajubu, Komolafe, and Fatusi (2026) identified that many young individuals face challenges in accessing essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services such as contraception, STI testing, and reproductive health education, with poor SRH literacy contributing to risky sexual behaviour and adverse reproductive health outcomes. This study is therefore carried out to determine the sexuality and contraceptive practices among students of College of Education Ekiadolor, as well as their awareness of HIV infection and related reproductive health risks.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Changes in the social environment, coupled with increased exposure to social media and western culture, appear to have had a profound influence on students’ sexuality in Africa. In Nigeria, where students are documented among the most sexually active youth populations globally, the issues of sexuality and contraception cannot be overstated. Akinbajo et al. (2024), in a study of Nigerian undergraduates, found that engagement in sexual activity and unsafe sex are common, noting that while approximately 54.5% of students were aware of contraceptives, only 39.3% of sexually active participants had ever used contraceptives, with condoms being the most commonly used method. Among the factors associated with sexual activity were male sex, older age, higher monthly allowance, and substance abuse.

Abonyi et al. (2023) observed that the rate of premarital sexual activities among adolescent students in Nigeria is alarming, with young people typically motivated by curiosity, peer pressure, pleasure, financial gain, or natural desires. The influence of traditional cultural structures such as sexual taboos and initiation rites, which previously provided guidance on sexual behaviour, has weakened considerably in contemporary Nigerian society, thereby reducing sources of social support and guidance for young people navigating sexual health challenges (Ewubamwen et al., cited in Abonyi et al., 2023).

This study of sexuality and contraception inevitably touches on socially sensitive issues including sexual promiscuity and risky sexual behaviour. Atedhor and Egbochuku (2023) found in their study of secondary school students in Edo State that students had good knowledge of STIs but that this knowledge did not translate to consistent preventive practices. Furthermore, a systematic review by Olubunmi et al. (2026) identified that risk factors for STIs in Nigeria include socioeconomic conditions, cultural expectations and gender norms, and structural challenges such as condom unavailability and limited sexual health information. These findings underscore the urgency of investigating contraceptive and sexual behaviour patterns among students of College of Education, Ekiadolor, Edo State.

1.3 Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate sexuality and the use of contraceptives among students of College of Education, Ekiadolor. The study will educate students on the issues of sexuality and the proper use of contraceptives in order to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. It will also enlighten young undergraduates and the public on the importance and correct use of contraceptives, and determine the extent and patterns of contraceptive usage among students.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study seeks to identify the roles of parents in the sexual and contraceptive behaviour of their children, and to encourage parental involvement in providing sex education at home. It will undoubtedly promote further research for predicting contraceptive behaviour, which will assist in the development and implementation of effective preventive and intervention programmes, especially those concerning sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Agboola et al. (2022) highlighted that among female undergraduates in Nigerian universities, awareness and knowledge of emergency contraception remain low, and that strategies for increasing correct knowledge must be developed and disseminated by healthcare workers and university health services.

This study will also make meaningful contributions to medical and public health issues such as family planning, rates of STI and STD contraction, and the effectiveness of various contraceptive methods. It will be useful to sexuality and reproductive health experts involved in developing and promoting safer sexual practices. The study will help identify students who misuse contraceptive methods, thereby exposing themselves to the risk of unwanted pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Findings from the study will contribute to the ongoing policy debate on strategies for educating students on sexuality and contraception, particularly in the context of the significant gap between knowledge and practice identified in recent literature (Omeneki et al., 2023; Atedhor & Egbochuku, 2023).

1.5 Research Questions

Based on the assumptions underlying this study, the following research questions have been formulated:

1. Can the knowledge of sex education reduce sexually transmitted diseases and infections among undergraduates?

2. Is there any relationship between the knowledge of sex education and the usage of contraceptives?

3. Does peer group play a significant role in undergraduate sexuality?

4. Does the knowledge/usage of contraceptives increase sexuality among undergraduates?

1.6 Scope of Study

This study focuses on sexuality and contraception among students of College of Education, Ekiadolor, located in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Due to the broadly similar patterns of student lifestyle across Nigerian tertiary institutions, the results of this study can serve as a useful guide to the general situation in other parts of the country.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Sexuality: The range of things people do and feel that are connected with their desire or ability to have sex.

Contraception: The practice of preventing pregnancy during sexual intercourse; also referred to as birth control.

Contraceptive: A drug, device, or method used to prevent pregnancy or reduce the risk of contracting an STD during sexual intercourse.

Heterosexual: A person who is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.

Promiscuity: Engaging in sexual intercourse with many people indiscriminately.

Undergraduate: A student pursuing a university course for a first degree.

Sex Education: Education provided to students about the physical processes and emotions involved in sexual activity and reproduction.

Pregnancy: The condition of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the uterus.

Sex: The biological activity in which two individuals join their sexual organs, typically for reproduction or pleasure.

STD: Sexually Transmitted Disease.

STI: Sexually Transmitted Infection.

HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

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