KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION PRACTICES OF PLANTS USED AS CONTRACEPTIVES AND APHRODISIAC FOR IN THREE (3) LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN DELTA STATE

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception and utilization of plants used as herbal contraceptives and aphrodisiac in three Local Government Areas in Delta State. An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire, while contraceptives are methods used to prevent conception (unwanted pregnancy). The study utilized a purposeful sampling method in the selection of 60 respondents used for the study, a well-structured questionnaire containing open ended and closed ended questions were used to elicit information’s from the respondent. The demographic data of the respondents showed that individuals within the age of 46-50 years had a prevalence quota of 51.7%, while 51 years and above had a quota 48.3%. The gender reports showed that 37.9% of the respondents were males, while female had a prevalence number of 62.1%. The findings of the study also showed that the respondents perceived herbal aphrodisiac and contraceptive to be effective with little or no side effects, thus they are considered safer than most modern methods of contraceptives than involves surgical practices and injection. Some of the respondents also reported other method used as traditional contraceptives like condoms and withdrawal methods. A total of 20 plants were reported by the respondents to be effective treatment for sexual dysfunction and contraceptives uses, the plant that was predominantly used by men was the Cyperus esculentus, Azadirachta indica and Phoenix dactylifera. This study showed the awareness of herbal contraceptives to be utilized in the country (Nigeria) as antifertility so as to control maternal and child mortality rates, since it is cheaper and also efficient to use