Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy and the Use of Contraceptives Among Female Undergraduates in Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.

ABSTRACT
Strategies to enhance sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge have been implemented. Nonetheless, many female university students in Nigeria continue to encounter barriers to effective contraceptive use, resulting in a heightened risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The study aimed at assessing the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy and the use of contraceptives among female undergraduates in Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted with the use of simple random sampling technique to select 286 female undergraduates. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data, while chi-square tests determined associations between health literacy and contraceptive use. The findings uncovered critical gaps between SRH literacy and practices among 286 female undergraduates. Although 68.6% reported good SRH knowledge, only 21% currently used any contraception. The research identified major roadblocks preventing consistent use, topping the list were concerns about potential side effects (45.5%), lack of access to contraceptive services (16.8%), religious beliefs (11.2%), and feelings of embarrassment (18.9%). Statistically, sexual reproductive health literacy showed a significant association with contraceptive use (χ2=165.357, p=.000). This study reveals that having adequate knowledge of SRH is insufficient to ensure widespread contraceptive uptake among female undergraduates. There is need for multifaceted interventions beyond education to address specific barriers, facilitate accessible services, and empower informed reproductive choices. The findings hold major relevance for public health policies, campus healthcare initiatives, and community outreach promoting positive sexual and reproductive health outcomes.