Knowledge and Utilisation of Contraceptives Among Female Undergraduates in a State University in Edo State

Contraceptive knowledge and utilisation among female undergraduates are important indicators of reproductive health outcomes and the effectiveness of campus health education programmes. This study assesses the level of contraceptive knowledge and actual utilisation patterns among female undergraduates at a state university in Edo State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 380 female students from six faculties selected through stratified random sampling. A structured, self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge of contraceptive methods, current utilisation, sources of information, and barriers to contraceptive use. Findings indicate that general awareness of contraception is high at 88 percent, but accurate knowledge of correct usage and effectiveness of specific methods is substantially lower, at 41 percent. Condom awareness is nearly universal while knowledge of long-acting reversible contraception is limited. Current contraceptive utilisation is reported by 47 percent of sexually active respondents, with oral pills and condoms the most commonly used methods. Barriers to utilisation include fear of side effects, partner resistance, social stigma, and concerns about provider confidentiality at campus health facilities. Religious and cultural values influence non-utilisation among a significant proportion of respondents. Recommendations include strengthening campus health education programmes, training campus health staff in youth-friendly contraceptive counselling, and establishing confidential reproductive health advisory services for students. Keywords: contraceptives, knowledge, female undergraduates, Edo State, reproductive health