Contraceptive method choices among adolescents in a Nigerian tertiary institution

This study was undertaken to describe adolescents, use of contraceptive methods and to examine factors that motivate their choice. Face-to-face interview of single, randomly selected 971 males and females aged 18-24 years in a Nigerian tertiary institution was conducted. Among sexually active males and females 72 percent and 81 percent respectively had ever used contraception. The commonest methods ever used by the males and females respectively were the condom (43 percent) and rhythm (31 percent). While females were mainly motivated by pregnancy prevention irrespective of the sexual relationship, the males were more concerned about disease prevention in unstable sexual relationships. However, adolescents whose choice was motivated by disease prevention did not choose the condom significantly more frequently than other methods. The college clinic, complimented by other programmes, should be strengthened for reproductive health services.