Prevention of unintended pregnancies in Nigeria; the effect of socio-demographic characteristic on the knowledge and use of emergency contraceptives among female university students

Authors

  • Olumide A. Abiodun Department of Community Medicine, Benjamin Carson (Snr) College of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan, Nigeria
  • John Sotunsa Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Benjamin Carson (Snr) College of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan, Nigeria
  • Olusoji Jagun Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria
  • Bukola Faturoti Department of Paediatric Surgery, Benjamin Carson (Snr) College of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan, Nigeria
  • Franklin Ani Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Benjamin Carson (Snr) College of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan, Nigeria
  • Imaralu John Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Benjamin Carson (Snr) College of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan, Nigeria
  • Agboola Taiwo Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Benjamin Carson (Snr) College of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan, Nigeria
  • Ogechukwu Taiwo Department of Paediatric Surgery, Benjamin Carson (Snr) College of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20150087

Keywords:

Emergency contraceptive, Female students, Unintended pregnancy

Abstract

Background: The proportion of unintended pregnancy remains high in developing regions due to unmet need for contraception and inconsistent use of modern contraceptives. Practice of emergency contraception is particularly important because of the high rates of unintended pregnancy. The aim was to assess the practice of emergency contraception among female students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 5,233 female university students in Nigeria.

Results: About 25.4% of the students had ever had sex while 64.3% had heard about emergency contraceptives. About half (49.6%) had good knowledge while 70% thought that emergency contraceptives are effective and easy to access and use. Good knowledge about emergency contraceptives was predicted by dwelling urban or suburban areas (AOR=1.750 and 1.817; P<0.05), being single (AOR=2.597, P=0.001), being in the fourth year (AOR=2.096, P<0.001) and having ever had sex (AOR=1.449, P<0.001). Having ever used emergency contraceptive is predicted by good knowledge (AOR=1.852, P<0.001) and perception that emergency contraceptives are effective (AOR=139.774, P<0.001) and easy to access and use (AOR=8.429, P<0.001).

Conclusions: Despite a significant risk of unintended pregnancy among female university students, the usage rate of emergency contraceptive is very low. There is a need to actively promote emergency contraception along with other contraceptive methods with the involvement of health workers and the media.  

 

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Published

2017-02-08

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Original Research Articles