Across the world, the youth have become a major concern in regards to their sexual life and use of contraceptives. According to WHO 2024, every year an estimated 21 million girls aged 15 to 19 years, and 1 million girls aged less than 15 years become pregnant in developing regions. 50 % of these pregnancies are unwanted. Young people are more vulnerable to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, especially in the developing world if they engage in unsafe sex (WHO 2024; Jonas et al. 2016). The discussion about reproductive health including contraceptive awareness is crucial in youth. Providing youth with evidence-based education regarding contraception does not promote promiscuity or increase sexual activities but instead it provides awareness (Mwanangombe et al. 2020).
According to Maina & Thanju (2024), unwanted pregnancies in the youth lead to abortions, health complications, terminating school and low living standards especially in those who are not financially stable. Therefore, they need to be educated on safe use and importance of contraceptives. This can be done in schools, at home by parents and in health care facilities by qualified practitioners. By doing this, the youth will be provided knowledge on which types of contraceptives to use, how to use them and when. In addition, the cost of contraceptives needs to be looked upon such that it is affordable for all. Finally, improved, accessible and friendly health care systems are important as the youth can walk in any time and seek for guidance. Additionally, they can share with the health practitioners openly on what they are facing regarding their sexual life.
Lack of education can have severe effects
Exposure to the internet, social media sites, poverty, peer pressure and drugs and substance abuse has influenced young people to their first sexual experience. At this stage, when the youth have little or no knowledge about contraceptives, they are not able to make reasonable decisions and consequences follow. (Todd & Black 2020). According to UNESCO, comprehensive sexual education (CSE) plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes and the behaviour of the youth regarding contraceptive use and early or unwanted pregnancies. CSE is a process of teaching which involves cognitive, emotional, physical, and societal aspects of sexuality. This method equipes the youth with skills and knowledge about sexuality and sexual values. (UNESCO 2021).
Through education, the youth learn about the various methods of contraceptives such as condoms, pills, patches, intra-uterine devices (IUDs), and implants. They also gain awareness of safe use, acquisition, effectiveness and the side effects of contraceptives. By using comprehensive sexual education, they are guided and instructed on how to access evidence-based information. This helps the youth in decision-making. (Ahuja et al. 2019; Maina & Thanju 2024).
Sexual health education helps the youth in decision-making
Sexual health education aids to understand the risks associated with unprotected sex. In addition, knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies can motivate individuals to take preventive measures (Ahuja et al. 2019; Maina & Thanju 2024) When contraceptives are safely used, they minimize incidences of unintended pregnancies. It is important to note that contraceptives react differently in people. Therefore, a visit and advice from a health practitioner before use of any of them is recommended.
In conclusion, comprehensive education on sexual education and access to resources play a very important role in reducing early and unwanted pregnancies. The youth must equip themselves with knowledge and learn the different methods of contraceptives and what contraceptives work for them as individuals. It is also important for them to know where they can get information on contraceptives and sexual health. When young people know the consequences, they are more likely to engage in safe practices.
Authors
Florence Maina is a graduate nursing student in LAB University of Applied Sciences.
Lilian Thanju is a paramedic nursing student in LAB University of Applied Sciences.
Sini Hämäläinen works as a Senior Lecturer in LAB University of Applied Sciences.
References
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Jonas, K., Crutzen, R., van den Borne, B., Sewpaul, R. & Reddy, P. 2016. Teenage pregnancy rates and associations with other health risk behaviors: a three-wave cross-sectional study among South African school-going adolescents. Reproductive Health Vol 16. Cited 10 Oct 2024. Available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-016-0170-8
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