An Assessment of Undergraduate Students’ Awareness and Utilization of Contraceptives at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the assessment of undergraduate students’ awareness and utilization of contraceptives at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive cross-sectional survey design, and data were randomly collected from 371 selected students through a structured questionnaire. The analysis revealed that 74.7% of respondents had engaged in sexual intercourse, yet only 56.6% reported ever using contraceptives, with condoms being the most frequently adopted method. Despite this, irregular use, reliance on less effective options, and widespread misconceptions were evident. Only 28.0% of participants demonstrated high awareness of contraceptive methods, while 67.9% reported no prior exposure to formal sexual health education. The findings further highlighted experiences of unprotected sex, unintended pregnancies, abortions, and instances of sexual violence among respondents. These results underscore persistent gaps in reproductive and sexual health literacy, access to youth-friendly services, and consistent contraceptive practice. The study concludes that although progress has been made in awareness, significant barriers remain. Strengthening comprehensive sexuality education, improving accessibility of reproductive health services, and implementing student-centered policy interventions are recommended to enhance safe sexual behavior and reduce reproductive health risks in university settings.