A renowned scientist, Stella Babatope, has advocated better drug literacy and stronger regulations to curb the rising trend of contraceptive abuse in the country.
This call is coming on the heels of the fact that drug abuse remains a major health concern worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception.
In her 2019 research study conducted in Nigeria, Babatope highlighted the increasing misuse of Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs), which are commonly used for birth control and reproductive health management.
According to her, while COCs are widely prescribed and have significant benefits, such as preventing pregnancy and managing hormonal imbalances, their improper use can have severe health consequences.
These include hormonal dysregulation, weight gain, menstrual cycle disruptions, and the development of cardiometabolic syndrome, a condition linked to diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease.
Babatope noted that many young Nigerians, especially girls, have little understanding of the potential risks associated with contraceptive abuse. Side effects such as weight gain are often misunderstood or even seen as justifiable reasons for misuse, she added.
“This lack of education, combined with easy access to these drugs, has led to an alarming rise in their abuse, prompting Babatope to conduct an experimental study to investigate the issue further,“ she stated.
She added that „without proper education and regulation, the unregulated use of COCs can lead to severe health complications such as diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
“We must raise awareness and ensure that contraceptives are used safely and responsibly.“
Babatope‘s findings underscored the need for the Nigerian government to take proactive measures to address pharmaceutical drug misuse, particularly among youth.“
She called for a reform of the education system to include drug literacy programs and for stronger insight into medical and educational settings to prevent the abuse of contraceptives.
A licensed research scientist across three continents with expertise in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, Babatope is currently a Research Assistant at the University of Georgia, USA.
Babatope has made significant contributions to cardiometabolic research, diabetic wound healing, and menopause, and is now exploring pancreatic cancer research. Her work continues to make a global impact, advocating for improved health literacy and the safe use of pharmaceuticals.
As Nigeria and the world continue to face the growing challenge of medicinal drug abuse, Babatope’s research serves as a reminder of the need for a more informed society where individuals, particularly young women, are educated about the risks associated with pharmaceutical misuse and the importance of proper medical guidance.
