Rampant Sexual Intercourse among Female Undergraduates in Nigeria and Induced-Abortion Related Morbidity

Abstract: Adolescent sexuality and reproductive health behaviour has stimulated the fascination of many researchers latterly, as unintended/unwanted pregnancy, induced abortion and post-abortion complications, particularly among university students and students of other institutions of higher learning have become major concerns. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexual activity, level of awareness, attitude and practice of contraception, incidence of unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion among female university students in Nigeria. The study adopted a triangulated research design and it employed the cross-sectional survey, Focus Group Discussions and In-Depth Interview methods. Structured questionnaire was used to assess the different variables of its inquiry, using the University of Lagos as its location. Female undergraduates of the institution constitute the study population. 350 questionnaires were administered and only 272 were returned in good order. Analysis of data obtained showed that majority of female university students are young adults or adolescents and unmarried, but in relationships that predisposes them to sexual intercourse and other like activities. It was established that the average female student in the University of Lagos is highly active sexually and that majority of the female students are knowledgeable about contraceptives, the male condom being the most widely used.  Unprotected sexual intercourse and other unsafe sexual activities are not very popular among them while incidences of unwanted pregnancy, abortion and post-abortion complications were not found to be prevalent relative to their level of sexual activities. It was established that post-abortion complication is not significantly determined by the method used.