Chiejine I. J. and Omokaro O. C.

Department of Health Safety and Environmental Education

Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge and utilization of modern contraceptives among female primary school teachers, in Oredo Local Government Area, of Edo State. Specifically, the study seeks to investigate their level of knowledge on modern contraceptive, Identify the type of modern contraceptive primary school teachers use, determine if religious belief, of primary school teachers influence their use of modern contraceptive.A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all female primary school teachers in Oredo LGA. The estimated population is seven hundred and sixteen (716) female primary school teacher in Oredo. The sample size was two hundred and fourteen (214), female primary school teachers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequency counts and percentages.  Independent sample chi-square was used for hypothesis testing at 0.05 level of significance. It was discovered that there was significant influence of knowledge of contraceptives and the usage of the following contraceptives such as diaphragm, contraceptive patch, sterilization implant and tubal litigation; the most common type of modern contraceptive used were female condom, diaphragm and use of combined oral contraceptive; there was significant influence of religious affiliation on the usage of the following contraceptives such as female condom, depo-provera, contraceptive patch and IUD. It was recommended that there is need to implement educational campaigns and programs aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness about less commonly used contraceptives like contraceptive patch, sterilization implant, and tubal ligation among primary school teachers. This can help promote a more informed choice of contraceptive methods.