Abstract
INTRODUCTIONEmergency contraception is a contraceptive method that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Higher education students fall under the sexually active age group and form a high-risk group for unintended pregnancy, because of limited utilization of emergency contraception. The aim of this study was to assess emergency contraceptive utilization and associated factors among college students in Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia.METHODSAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2019. A total of 286 students using simple random sampling technique were included in the study. Data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires and entered into EpiData (Classic) Entry version 3.1 and analysed using SPSS version 24.0. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done to determine the association between the outcome and predictor variables.RESULTSA total of 286 female students participated in the study giving a response rate of 100%. Eighty-six (86) participants had a history of sexual practice, and 60 (69.7%) had ever used emergency contraceptive. Having knowledge about emergency contraceptive (AOR=3.24; 95% CI: 1.32–7.98), age at first sexual intercourse ≥20 years (AOR=4.04; 95% CI: 1.72–9.52), history of previous pregnancy (AOR=3.12; 95% CI: 1.34–7.24) and previous use of regular contraceptives (AOR=5.01; 95% CI: 2.23–11.27) were found to be significant predictors of emergency contraceptive utilization.CONCLUSIONSThis study showed that emergency contraceptive utilization among female college students having unprotected sexual intercourse is still low. Level of knowledge, age at first sexual intercourse, previous use of regular contraceptives and history of pregnancy were major predictors of emergency contraceptive utilization. Therefore, focus on awareness creation activity and delaying sexual activity is recommended.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.