PEER RELATIONS AND SELF-ESTEEM AS PREDICTORS OF PERCEPTION OF CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY, IGBARIAM CAMPUS, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the influence of peer relations and self-esteem as predictors of undergraduate students’ perception of contraceptive use at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam Campus, Anambra State. Employing the Social Cognitive Theory within the peer relations domain, as well as health belief model, the study sought to determine how social and psychological factors shape students’ contraceptive perceptions. The specific objectives were to: assess the relationship between peer relations and students’ perception of contraceptives; determine the predictive value of self-esteem in contraceptive perception based on differences in peer influence and levels of self-esteem. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design involving 200 undergraduates aged 18–40 years, selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic items and three standardized scales: Peer Relations Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Perception of Contraceptive Use Scale. Ethical procedures including informed consent, anonymity, and institutional approval were strictly followed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression with SPSS (version 26). Findings revealed that students reported moderately high levels of positive peer relations (M = 3.65), high self-esteem (M = 30.85), and positive perceptions of contraceptive use (M = 3.80). Correlation results showed a significant positive relationship between peer relations and perception of contraceptive use (r = 0.60, p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that both peer relations and self-esteem significantly predicted students’ perceptions, while their combined effect accounted for a meaningful proportion of variance in contraceptive perception. The findings highlight the importance of social interaction and self-esteem in influencing students’ sexual health attitudes and behaviors. The study concludes that promoting peer discussions, strengthening support systems, and boosting undergraduates’ self-worth can improve perceptions and increase contraceptive use. It recommends implementing peer education programs, self-esteem enhancement strategies, and tailored university-based sexual health initiatives for young adults