Knowledge, attitude and use of emergency contraception among female undergraduates in Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Our objective was to investigate the knowledge, use and attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills among female undergraduates. This was done using a randomly selected sample of female undergraduate students at three tertiary institutions in Enugu, Nigeria. The majority of the respondents (95%) were aware of contraception. However, 61% of the female undergraduates had heard of emergency contraception but only 31% had actually used it. The most common source of information about emergency contraceptive pills was from friends and teachers. Most respondents (19%) used Postinor rather than other types. While using emergency contraception, 16% got pregnant, of whom 9% carried the pregnancy to term and delivered the baby while (10%) procured an illegal abortion. Increased utilization of emergency contraception is plagued with fear of infertility, anovulation, ill health and sexually transmitted infection. Though 40% of the female undergraduates accepted it when informed and would recommend it to other female students, more information dissemination is required to further create awareness and enhance wider acceptance. Awareness programmes should address the barriers to effective use of ECP preferably using peer educators and the media.

Peer-driven contraceptive choices and preferences for contraceptive methods among students of tertiary educational institutions in Enugu, Nigeria

“…This finding agrees with the results of previous studies in Nigeria which have documented rates of sexual activity among students of tertiary educational institutions ranging from 50%–86% 2,7,8,11,14. The level of sexual activity in this study is, however, specific to unmarried students unlike some previous studies which made no distinction between married and unmarried students 2,7,8,10,15,16. The high level of sexual activity makes this group of students a suitable sample to study contraceptive use.…”

Impact of HIV/AIDS Awareness on the Sexual Behaviour of Undergraduate Students

“…The studies that have been carried out in Nigeria have yet to include community assessment needs in the north-eastern part of the country especially in relation to prevalence and riskiness of sexual behaviour of the unmarried Muslim youth. There are reports from the southern Nigeria [11][12][13] , and one from north-central 14,15 , but none has been found to be based on north-eastern region.…”

To Determine The Knowledge And Attitudes On Modern Contraceptive Use Amongst Antenatal Attendees At The Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, South-South, Nigeria

“…These barriers include women's knowledge and perception of contraception and the negative influence of culture on contraceptive patronage [11, 12, and 13]. While awareness to contraception is high amongst women in studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa [14,15], the depth of knowledge remain shallow and the benefits of contraception not easily realisable. Coupled with this fact are the erroneous beliefs amongst women that contraceptives are toxic chemicals that are injurious to the body [14].…”

“…While awareness to contraception is high amongst women in studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa [14,15], the depth of knowledge remain shallow and the benefits of contraception not easily realisable. Coupled with this fact are the erroneous beliefs amongst women that contraceptives are toxic chemicals that are injurious to the body [14]. Most women who do not use contraception do so because of perceived side effects.…”