Introduction: Youth is the period of life when one usually
experiences sexual relations for the first time. Lack of preparation and
inexperience lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
The aim was to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of sexuality and modern
contraceptive methods among young people in Cotonou. Method: This was a
descriptive and prospective study that was conducted from August to September
2017 among young people living in Cotonou. Results: We had questioned
500 young people. The sex ratio was 0.6 with 267 girls (61.1%). 27.9% of young
people surveyed do not know the fertility period. 76.2% of young people are
sexually active and 39.8% have at least 2 sexual partners. Most of these young
people had early sexual intercourse at an average age of 16.73 ± 2.85 years. Half of the boys have sex for pleasure and half of the girls
have sex for love. 100% of young people know at least one STI, especially
HIV/AIDS. Of the 15.10% of cases of reported pregnancy, 49.2% resulted in an
abortion. 99% are aware of modern contraceptive methods for the prevention of
pregnancy. But 53.7% are unaware that modern contraceptive methods prevent
STIs. The main sources of information on contraception are the media and
teachers. The main modern contraceptive method used is the
condom in 73%. Young people surveyed do not use modern contraceptive methods in
57.5%. Conclusion: Thepractices of sexuality and
modern contraceptive methods remain quite limited among young people. It is
important to intensify information and awareness activities.
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