Socio-demographic and economic determinants of awareness and use of contraceptives among adolescents in Ebonyi State, South-east, Nigeria

Understanding factors that explain levels of awareness and use of contraceptives among adolescents is a critical entry point for improving their sexual and reproductive health. This study assessed the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of awareness and use of contraceptives among adolescents in rural and urban communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in three rural and urban communities in August, 2018. Modified cluster sampling technique was used to select eligible households. A total of 1045 adolescents (598 females and 447 males) were randomly selected from the households and interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The mean age is 15.4years (15.3 - 15.5) and the median age is 15.5years. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis were undertaken. Statistical significance was set at p-value of <0.05. Majority of respondents, 723 (68.9%), were aware of male condom. Place of residence predicts awareness of contraceptive pills (AOR 0.66, CI 0.48-0.91); schooling predicts awareness of male condoms (AOR 0.57; CI 0.32-0.99). Predictors of awareness of female condoms are place of residence (AOR 0.66, CI 0.47-0.93), gender (AOR 0.57, CI 0.32-0.99) and wealth index (AOR 1.16, CI 1.03-1.30). Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents did not predict contraceptive use in the last sex. Although awareness of contraceptives is high, utilization is low among sexually active adolescents. Hence, the need to promote access to and utilization of contraceptives through comprehensive contraceptive education to improve adolescents sexual and reproductive health. (Afr J Reprod Health 2021; 25[3]: 21-29).