The pill : perceptions and usage among Nigerian students

The knowledge and use of oral contraception were investigated in 498 students from 5 tertiary institutions in south-eastern Nigeria. Awareness of the pill was high (92.2%) but usage was comparatively low (17.5%). Post-coital oral contraception was more often used (11.5%) than the other types. Perceptions about the risks of the pill were variable: 46.4% of the students believed that it could damage the uterus, and 41% said it could cause infertility; 31.7% believed that it caused amenorrhea, while only 14.9% of the students admitted ignorance of the risks of the pill. There was a lack of desire to use the pill in 72.3% of the respondents. Only 18.7% desired to do so, including students already using the pill. The most common source of information on contraception was peer groups (43.6%), while lectures and sex instructions constituted the least common source (11.2%). Poor information on the pill and ignorance were identified as the major factors militating against pill usage. Accordingly, the role of early and adequate sex and contraceptive education in improving pill usage in this population and developing countries in general is highlighted.