Influence of discipline of study on contraceptive usage among undergraduates in Southwest Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the influence of discipline of study on contraceptive usage among undergraduates in southwest Nigeria.


METHODS
A comparative cross-sectional study of students from medical and nonmedical disciplines was carried out.


RESULTS
A total of 387 undergraduates were investigated, out of which 198 (55.8%) were from medical disciplines (MD), and 189 (44.2%) were from nonmedical discipline (NMD). Out of the total number of respondents (387), 229 (59.2%), were sexually active, out of which 26.2% had been sexually active without contraception with a greater proportion of students of NMD being affected (p < 0.05). Students from MD had a better knowledge (71.9%) of contraception than those from NMD (28.1%). However, more students from NMD use contraceptives (62%) compared to those from MD (54%) (p < 0.05). Despite this, more students from NMD became pregnant despite contraceptive use (11%) compared to those from MD (5.1%) (p < 0.05). The condom was the most commonly used contraceptive among both disciplines. The peer group was the commonest source of information on contraception.


CONCLUSIONS
Discipline of study has an important influence on contraceptive usage. This is a pointer to the absolute need for adequate contraceptive education for every student, irrespective of the discipline of study.
Orji
Ernest O
EO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Fajewonyomi
Benjamin A
BA
Adetunji
Subulade A
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013663:Teaching