Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use among adolescent females in secondary institutions in Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract

In recent times, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) use among adolescent girls has received a great deal of attention in developed countries. However, in some developing countries like Nigeria, it has received little attention, despite the fact that unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions are high among adolescents. This paper presents the findings of a study conducted among 243 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years in 12 secondary schools in Nnewi, Nigeria. Of these, 81 (34.5%) were sexually active; 42 (17.9%) have heard of LARC and 25 (10.6%) have used LARC. The most common source of information about contraception was from friends (47.6%), while religious (25.7%) and cultural (21.4%) beliefs were the most common reasons for non-use of LARC. The acceptability rate for LARCs was high (95.8%). The authors argue that reproductive health services should focus on the delivery of adequate and accurate information on user-independent contraceptives to improve use among adolescent girls.