ABSTRACT
Contraceptive is a powerful tool that helps to curb the stigma associated with unwanted
pregnancy, the stress of unwanted abortion, and reduces the spread of sexually transmitted
disease among medical student. The study aimed to access the role of peer influence and social
network on contraceptive behaviour among medical students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 209 participants. Data entry and
analysis were done using IBM-SPSS version 25 statistical software. The study results reflected
that the most common source of contraceptive related information was school, health workers,
and friends. The common types of contraceptives used were calendar-based methods,
emergency contraceptives and male condoms. The majority of the sexually active groups
opined that their social network and friends influenced their choice of contraceptive use,
showing that there was a significant relationship between social networks and peer influence
on contraceptive choices among medical students (x2=74.47, p=0.001). There was also a
significant relationship between sociodemographic factors and contraceptive use. In
conclusion, in order to improve the role of peer influence and social network on contraceptive
choices for a healthier society, we must tackle the misconceptions on the use of modern
contraceptive use and encourage interventions to improve contraceptive use and advocate for
peer-based education and support.
Keywords: Social networks, peer influences, contraceptive behaviours, Medical students
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