Effect of Health Education Intervention on the Utilization of Modern Contraceptives Among Adolescent Mothers in Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Modern contraceptives help women control the number of children they have, the spacing between pregnancies, and the timing of deliveries, which lowers the likelihood of recurring unintended pregnancies. Contraception refers to the deliberate prevention of pregnancy by employing a range of methods such as objects and devices, sexual practices, chemicals, medications, or surgical interventions. However, this study examined the effect of health educational intervention on the utilization of modern contraceptives among adolescent mothers in Ondo State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with one-arm intervention group and control. A sample size of 60 participants was computed for the study (30 participants for each group). A structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data with Cronbach’s alpha reliability index 0.85. Data was collected at baseline, immediate post-intervention and 12th week follow-up. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 5% level of significance. Results: Findings showed that at baseline, the mean score for utilization of modern contraceptives of the control group (6.30 ± 0.45) was significantly moderate than the experimental group (7.65 ± 0.74), with p < 0.001. This indicates that there is not much difference in baseline utilization between the two groups. There was also a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the utilization of modern contraceptives among adolescent mothers in the control group and the experimental group at 12th follow-up, which indicates an impact in the utilization of modern contraceptives due to the intervention study. Conclusion: The education intervention increased the utilization of modern contraceptives among adolescent mothers in selected primary healthcare facilities in Ondo State. It was recommended that primary health facilities should adopt this program for developing self-efficacy and right perception about modern contraceptives for adolescent mothers and encourage replication throughout the country.