ADOLESCENTS’ AWARENESS OF CONTRACEPTIVES AND THEIR ADMINISTRATIONS IN GARAKU TOWN, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Mamman Matthew Samuel and Sabo Yahaya Sarkin Noma

Abstract

Total demand and contraceptive use are fundamental measures of access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The paper analyzed the Adolescents’ Awareness of Contraceptives and their Administrations in Garaku Town, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The social survey research design was adopted for this paper. Data were collected using qualitative and quantitative methods. 361 questionnaires were distributed among adolescents in Garaku Town, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria through simple random sampling techniques and Focus Group Discussion were also carried out, and their responses were used to strengthen the responses gathered. Data collected showed that the majority of the respondents have the knowledge and practice of the use of contraceptives. The paper recommends the need for adequate and early sex education among adolescents to ensure that sexual practice is safe. Sexual education programmes will go a long way in ensuring that adolescents who engage in sexual intercourse protect themselves from risky sexual practices such as abortion, multiple partnering, early sexual debut and unplanned pregnancy. Also, the Provision of information about contraceptives should include the possible sources of contraceptives, especially where they could be accessed without embarrassment by the providers.