SEXUALITY AND CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG ADOLESCENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study: Sexuality and contraceptives have become a prominent subject in the modern era, as the consequences of unsafe sexual behaviours, such as unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, continue to be a concern for both young people and adults worldwide. Teaching adolescents about birth control may not align with promoting abstinence. Nevertheless, a significant number of adolescents choose to engage in sexual activities at an early age, despite being aware of the importance of abstinence. Based on data from the American Paediatric Association, it is observed that a significant number of adolescents engage in sexual activity before the age of twenty. Additionally, there is a concerning number of teenage pregnancies worldwide, with millions of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 giving birth or undergoing abortions annually. In Central America, approximately 18% of all births are to women in their teens, while in Africa, this percentage rises to around 23%, as reported by the World Health Organisation. Effective communication between parents and adolescents is crucial in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of young individuals when it comes to contraceptives (Paediatrics 1999). Our project is completed under MIMO (Moving in moving on), a 3-year research and development initiative supported by EU funding from the central Baltic programme. The project's objective is to enhance collaboration among professionals and implement artistic approaches in social and youth work through a series of workshops designed for individuals aged 13-17. The project focuses on engaging young individuals who may be at risk of becoming socially isolated (MIMO 2013). Nevertheless, the objective of this project is to provide insights into the experiences of adolescents regarding sexuality and contraceptives, taking into account cultural factors.

My objective is to utilise the digital storytelling method to convey the experiences of adolescents regarding sexuality and contraception, focusing on cultural perspectives. There are numerous factors that can impact sexual activities during adolescence. One important factor to consider is how teenagers handle the physical changes that occur in their bodies, particularly among young women. It is crucial to recognise the potential risks that teenagers face, such as contracting STDs, including HIV/AIDS, and the heightened vulnerability of teenage girls to early, unwanted, and unplanned pregnancies (WHO, 2013).

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Pre-marital sexual activity is prevalent in various regions across the globe. Several studies conducted in Nigeria indicate that a notable number of adolescents engage in sexual activity during their teenage years. Despite engaging in frequent sexual activity, a significant number of young individuals are neglecting to take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves from the potential consequences of their actions. There are significant health risks for young girls involved in this, as they may be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, economic hardships, and school dropouts (Njau and Redney 1995). Demographers have shown varying levels of interest in different aspects of adolescents' sexual activity. Researchers have primarily focused on premarital sex, driven by the belief that sexual activity is on the rise among unmarried adolescents. Therefore, there is a lack of available information regarding the sexual and reproductive knowledge of individuals who are about to get married, the process of transitioning into marriage, and the experiences of young married couples as they navigate the timing of sexual intercourse and the first birth. Given this context, the researcher aims to explore the topic of adolescent sexuality and contraceptive use.

1.3 Objective Of The Study

The objectives of the study are;

1. To ascertain the relationship between age at first sexual intercourse and contraceptive use among adolescents
2. To ascertain the association between the frequency of sexual intercourse and contraceptive use among female adolescents
3. To ascertain the relationship between the type of sexual partners and contraceptive use among female adolescents
4. To determine the frequency of sexual activity among adolescent in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Hypotheses

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;  

H0:   there is no relationship between age at first sexual intercourse and contraceptive use among adolescents.

H1: there is relationship between age at first sexual intercourse and contraceptive use among adolescents.

H02: there is no relationship between the type of sexual partners and contraceptive use among adolescents

H2: there is relationship between the type of sexual partners and contraceptive use among adolescents

1.5 Significance Of The Study

This study will provide a comprehensive understanding of sexuality and contraceptive usage among adolescents. The study will provide valuable insights for lecturers, students, youths, and the general public. It is evident that a more thorough examination of the choices made by adolescents is necessary in order to understand their engagement in certain behaviours and to identify factors that may contribute to early sexual activity and lack of contraception use. This study has the potential to provide valuable information on adolescent sexuality and contraceptive use, as it will focus on specific segments of adolescents. The study findings are expected to be valuable in developing suitable interventions for adolescents and to have practical applications for policy makers, educators, donor agencies, and the community as a whole. The study will also be a valuable resource for other researchers who are interested in exploring this topic.

1.6 Scope And Limitation Of The Study

The scope of the study covers sexuality and contraceptive use among adolescent. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study.

 a) availability of research material: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study

b) Time: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities

 1.7 Definition Of Terms

Sexuality: Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, erotic, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors.

Contraceptive: contraceptives are devices that attempt to prevent pregnancy by physically preventing sperm from entering the uterus. They include male condoms, female condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms, and contraceptive sponges with spermicide. Globally, condoms are the most common method of birth control.

Adolescent: Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood

1.8 Organization Of The Study

This research work is divided into five chapters, carefully arranged to enhance clarity and understanding. Here is an outline of the chapters: Chapter one provides a comprehensive introduction to the study, covering various aspects such as the study's overview, historical background, problem statement, study objectives, research hypotheses, study significance, scope and limitation, and definition of terms. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework that serves as the basis of the study, which then leads to the examination of relevant literature. Chapter three delves into the research design and methodology employed in the study. Chapter four delves into the process of gathering and analysing data, along with effectively presenting the discoveries. Chapter five offers a succinct summary of the study's findings, a reflective conclusion, and insightful recommendations.