Examination of the Sources of Contraceptive Information and use Among Out-Of-School Youth of Gbawe

Abstract

Reproductive health is vital and the access to right contraceptive information and good use by the youth can help promote their health. Sensitivities to sex-related issues however create barriers to sexual and reproductive health information, support and practices. There have been attempts to improve knowledge among the youth but this appears to be skewed towards the more educated youth. This research therefore aimed at investigating how out-of-school youth of Gbawe obtain contraceptive information, how much of the information they receive and the behaviour outcomes from acquired contraceptive information among out-of-school of Gbawe. The research adopted the descriptive survey design, involving quantitative and qualitative methods. Using a purposive sampling method, thirty (30) out-of-school youth aged between 15 and 35 years were purposely sampled and administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively/thematically. Results show that all the youth interviewed knew about contraceptives but only a few used them. Condoms and pills were the most commonly known contraceptives. The main sources of contraceptive information were the media (TV and radio), health centre and friends. Emerging sources of contraceptive information were the Internet and phones. Implications are that there is a need for the right and strategic use of channels/media to disseminate contraceptive information to serve the need of the sexually active out-of-school youth. In doing this the factors, especially language, should be taken into consideration.