Sexuality, contraceptive choice and AIDS awareness among Nigerian undergraduates

Abstract

A survey of 2388 Nigerian undergraduates revealed that 87% were sexually active and 66% had more than one sexual partner, while 17.5% have had clandestine abortions. All respondents were quite knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS but few sexually active ones took precautions to prevent HIV transmission. Majority (87.5%) were knowledgeable about contraception and approved of its use, but only 34.2% were current users of contraceptives. About 58% of these cited pharmacy shops as their source of contraceptives. The attitudes of the students were below expectation. Specially designated centres for the provision of appropriate contraceptive services to students by trained personnel are needed in the institutions in order to tackle their reproductive health problems.