Practice Of Emergency Contraception Research Articles

Pharmacist recommendations for emergency contraception in Belgium: a simulated user study

Background Emergency contraception reduces the risk of unintended pregnancy, after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. In Belgium, emergency contraception is available without a prescription and pharmacists play therefore a crucial role in dispensing emergency contraception. Aim This study assesses the dispensing practices of emergency contraception by pharmacists in two regions of Belgium. Method and design Simulated patient study, using a predefined scenario, evaluating a request for emergency contraception. The scenario involves a 25-year-old woman not using contraception, who had unprotected sexual intercourse 84 h (3.5 days) ago. Her last menstrual period was 10 days ago. Population 260 pharmacies were randomly selected. Principal outcome: proportion of pharmacists who deliver the adequate emergency contraception. We considered the following responses as adequate: Prescribing ulipristal acetate or redirecting to another pharmacy, in case of unavailability, or referring for a copper IUD Results We analysed the data obtained in 216 pharmacies (216/260 = 83.1%). In 64% of cases, adequate dispensing of emergency contraception (dispensing of ulipristal acetate or referral for intrauterine device insertion) occurred. There was an association between correct dispensing and asking appropriate questions, such as the date of the last menstrual period and the date of the risky sexual intercourse. Conclusion More than one-third of visited pharmacies did not distribute appropriate emergency contraception, underlining the need for improvement. We hypothesise that this may be achieved with appropriate training, use a dispensing checklist.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Emergency Contraceptive Among Female Preparatory School Students in Awsi Resu Zone(01), Afar, Ethiopia, 2023

BACKGROUND: Students in preparatory schools are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, which may lead to a rise in untended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and STIs. Many of these unplanned pregnancies can be avoided using emergency contraception. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency contraceptives. OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency contraception among preparatory school students of Awsiresu zone (01) in Afar, Ethiopia. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected preparatory schools in Awsi Resu Zone, Afar, Ethiopia, from October 20 to November 8, 2023, among 419 female students who were selected using the systematic random sampling method. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and entered into the Kobo toolbox. Data were collected by five female public health officer students using interview-administered methods. A one-day discussion was held among group members and data collectors on how to obtain consent and collect complete data. The collected data was exported to SPSS window version 26 for analysis, and a descriptive analysis was performed for all variables. RESULT: Three hundred ten (74.0%) of the students said that they have heard about emergency contraceptives. 57.7% of the students had a positive attitude towards emergency contraceptives. One hundred (32.3%) of the students said that EC is recommended as a regular contraceptive method, and another one hundred forty-one (50.2%) students said that EC can prevent STIs. Among the ten respondents who had used emergency contraceptives, six (60%) used regular contraceptives. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The study findings showed that most of the respondents who had ever heard of emergency contraception had good knowledge and a positive attitude, despite some respondents having misunderstandings about emergency contraceptives. Therefore, the Afar Health Bureau should distribute educational materials such as brochures, posters, and flyers that teach about emergency contraception and arrange programs on a regular basis to provide accurate information concerning the utilization of emergency contraception.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice About Emergency Contraception Among Saudi Women of Childbearing Age of Eastern Region in Saudi Arabia.

Background and aim Emergency contraception (EC) refers to methods of contraception that are used within 72 hours up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse to prevent unintended pregnancy. It can postpone ovulation, stopping fertilization. Ella®(progestin receptor modulator), plan B, birth control tablets, and the copper intrauterine device(IUD) are examples of emergency contraception. The aim of the study is to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of emergency contraception among Saudi women of childbearing age in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Methods It is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected through a pretested online questionnaire after approval from an ethical committee and women's consent to participate in the study. Women between 18 and 49 years old were included in the study. Women aged under 18 and over 49 years were excluded from the study to make the sample population more homogenous. Participants were provided a link to a questionnaire form to be completed from theirdevices (phone or laptop). Results A total of 648 childbearing Saudi women completed the survey. The majority were between 18 and 25 years old. Approximately 263 (40.6%) had no children, and 348 (53.7%) earned less than 5,000 SAR monthly. Four hundred and sixty-seven(72%) of the participants had never used emergency contraception. Four hundred and seventy-eight (73.8%) did not know the maximum acceptable time for using EC. Three hundred and fourteen (48.5%) did not know the potential risks to the baby in case of failure of emergency contraception. Two hundred and twenty-three(34%)patricians wrongly believed that there would be a potential risk to the baby if the patient got pregnant after using emergency contraception. Three hundred and eight (47.5%) participants supported the idea of the availability of emergency contraception without a prescription, and a majority believed that they would not feel shy in asking for emergency contraception. Five hundred and seventy-one (88%)participants did not visit any family planning clinic last year. A significant source of EC information was a doctor or a family planner, 206 (31.8%). A considerable barrier to EC use was fear of side effects and health risks, as reported by382 (59%) respondents. Conclusions The current study reveals that participants have positive attitudes towards emergency contraception, but use is deficient because of poor knowledge and lack of awareness. Our study urges the urgent need for awareness campaigns by health professionals to improve learning and remove wrong fears and beliefs about emergency contraception.

Oral emergency contraception practices of community pharmacies: a mystery caller study in the capital of Germany, Berlin

BackgroundIn Germany, oral emergency contraception (EC) with the active ingredients levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA) is available as over-the-counter (OTC) medicine only from community pharmacies (CPs). Because of the window of effect, which is limited to only a few days, CPs have a great responsibility to provide rapid and unimpeded access, while also ensuring “adequate” counseling. The aim was—for the first time in Europe and thus also in Germany for the methodology used in this study—to investigate immediate availability, pricing, and aspects of counseling.MethodsCovert mystery calls were conducted in a random sample of CPs stratified by districts in the German capital Berlin. Each of the 263 CPs included was called once at random by one of two trained female student mystery callers. They simulated a product-based scenario for the UPA original ellaOne®, citing a contraceptive failure one day ago as the reason.ResultsOf 257 successfully called CPs, UPA preparations were immediately available in 98.4% (253/257) and LNG preparations in 86.8% (184/212) of CPs. Prices for UPA preparations varied from €15.95 to €42.95 (∆ 169%; median €35.00 [interquartile range (IQR) €5.91]) and for LNG preparations from €10.60 to €32.49 (Δ 207%; median €22.00 [IQR €5.76]). Information about the correct different window of effect of UPA and LNG preparations was provided in 69.8% (127/182) of CPs. UPA preparations were recommended in 63.1% (111/176) and LNG preparations in 17.2% (30/174) of CPs. Information was provided on how to take them as soon as possible in 30.8% (44/143) of CPs and on how to use them after vomiting in 46.0% (64/139).ConclusionsBerlin CPs support access through high immediate availability, especially to UPA preparations. However, access is hampered by high absolute price ranges of both UPA and LNG preparations, which could ideally be minimized by a comparison app. It is positive that CPs promote the benefits of UPA preparations by recommending them noticeably more often than LNG preparations. However, there are deficiencies in giving advice, so there is a need to raise awareness among pharmacy staff to ensure “adequate” counseling in advance over the phone.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers to the Practice of Emergency Contraception Among Women with Induced Abortion in Sikkim

Background: Contraceptive utilization is a practice that helps individuals or couples to avoid unwanted pregnancies. This study aimed to assess to explore the knowledge and practice of emergency contraception among women with induced abortion in Sikkim. Objective: To explore the knowledge, attitude, and barriers to the practice of emergency contraception among women with induced abortion in Sikkim. Methods: In this study, 280 women between the ages of 15 and 45 years who had a history of induced abortion participated. The research is conducted at Central Referral Hospital, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim to learn about attitudes about and obstacles to using emergency contraception among women who had induced abortions. Results: Out of the total, 78% of respondents have knowledge about unprotected intercourse or a failure of the contraceptive method, and 21.5% of respondents have no knowledge about it. 75% of respondents have a positive attitude, and 25% of respondents have a negative attitude. The participants experienced adverse reactions such as nausea/vomiting, and 53% of respondents experienced excessive bleeding. Conclusion: The present study concluded that information about EC is not sufficiently present among the women living in Sikkim. They lack information about the dosage of EC, usage timing as well as its impact. The awareness programs will help to educate the females more about contraceptives and to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.

Emergency contraception – pharmacists’ knowledge and attitude on emergency contraceptives’ dispensing practices

Abstract Objectives Emergency contraceptives have the potential to reduce health complications in women with unintended/unwanted pregnancies. Access to availability and use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) is influenced by pharmacist knowledge and attitudes, and there are limited data in Nigeria on pharmacists’ ECPs dispensing practices. This study assessed pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards the use of emergency contraceptives. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted among 100 community pharmacists in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria with the use of a self-administered structured questionnaire. The questionnaire contained Likert-type 17-item knowledge, 9-item attitude and 15-item practice scales. The scales utilised 5–7 graded responses. The scaled score was graded as good and poor knowledge, positive and negative attitude and high, moderate or low-level practice of emergency contraception. The ability to predict the level of practice of emergency contraception, based on the pharmacist’s knowledge and attitude towards the use of ECP, was determined with hierarchical multiple regression as P < 0.05. Key findings Good knowledge of emergency contraceptives was displayed by 51.5% of the pharmacists, and 51.9% had a positive attitude towards the use of ECPs. The level of ECP dispensing practices was high among 43.4% of pharmacists and low among 30.1% of pharmacists. More than 30% of the pharmacists offer a high level of educational services practice for ECPs. Pharmacists’ knowledge (β = 0.348, P = 0.002) and attitude (β = −0.302, P = 0.007) were predictive of the dispensing practice of ECPs. Conclusion The community pharmacists have good knowledge of emergency contraceptive use and showed a positive attitude towards the dispensing of emergency contraceptive pills.

A Nationwide Mystery Caller Evaluation of Oral Emergency Contraception Practices from German Community Pharmacies: An Observational Study Protocol.

To prevent unwanted pregnancies, oral emergency contraception (EC) with the active ingredients levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA) is recommended by the guidelines of the German Federal Chamber of Pharmacists (BAK). In this respect, community pharmacies (CPs) in Germany have a major responsibility for information gathering, selecting the appropriate medicine, availability and pricing, among other things. Therefore, it would be appropriate to conduct a study with the aim of investigating information gathering, a possible recommendation as well as availability and pricing for oral EC in German CPs. A representative nationwide observational study based on the simulated patient methodology (SPM) in the form of covert mystery calls will be conducted in a random sample of German CPs stratified according to the 16 federal states. Each selected CP will be randomly called once successfully by one of six both female and male trained mystery callers (MCs). The MCs will simulate a product-based scenario using the request for oral EC. For quality assurance of the data collection, a second observer accompanying the MC is planned. After all mystery calls have been made, each CP will receive written, pharmacy-specific performance feedback. The only national SPM study on oral EC to date has identified deficits in the provision of self-medication consultations with the help of visits in the CPs studied. International studies suggest that UPA in particular is not always available. Significant price differences could be found analogous to another German study for a different indication.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION AMONGST HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN IDP CAMPS AND HOST COMMUNITY CLINICS IN JERE AND MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) offers women a second chance to avoid unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Besides its availability, requisite knowledge and positive attitude of the healthcare works will encourage its utilization by the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and host community. Objectives To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of EC by healthcare workers (HCWs) in IDP camps and host community clinics in Jere and Maiduguri metropolitan local government areas (LGAs) of Borno state, Nigeria. Methodology: Self-administered questionnaires were issued to HCWs attending a workshop on child spacing counselling and service organized by the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, North-East sector (SOGON-NE). The questionnaire inquired about knowledge, attitudes and practice of emergency contraception. Results: Eighty-nine (89.0%) of the respondents were aware of EC and 88.0% have approved of its provision. The most common indication for the EC was unprotected sexual intercourse (91.0%), followed by rape, failed contraception and missed pills. Sixty-five (84.4%) of Nurse/Midwives and CHEWs were willing to provide EC for prospective clients and 59(76.6%) of them had provided EC in the past. The commonest form of EC known to the respondents was Levonorgestrel (Postinor 2), followed by oral contraceptive pills (OCP) and intrauterine device (IUCD). Mifepristone and ulipristal were known to only 23.6% and 11.2% of the respondents respectively. Majority (79.6%) will give EC immediately after intercourse. Only 46.1% of the respondent would institute EC within 7 days of unprotected intercourse and among them, 50% were Nurse/Midwives and 46.4% were CHEWs. Conclusion: Both the knowledge and approval of EC among the HCWs in the IDP camps and host community clinics in Jere and Maiduguri metropolitan LGAs of Borno state are high. This can be harnessed to encourage the wide utilization of the EC by adolescents and other vulnerable womenin the IDP camps and Host communities.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION AMONGST HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN IDP CAMPS AND HOST COMMUNITY CLINICS IN JERE AND MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, BORNO STATE

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) offers women a second chance to avoid unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Besides its availability, requisite knowledge and positive attitude of the healthcare works will encourage its utilization by the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and host community. Objectives To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of EC by healthcare workers (HCWs) in IDP camps and host community clinics in Jere and Maiduguri metropolitan local government areas (LGAs) of Borno state, Nigeria. Methodology: Self-administered questionnaires were issued to HCWs attending a workshop on child spacing counselling and service organized by the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, North-East sector (SOGON-NE). The questionnaire inquired about knowledge, attitudes and practice of emergency contraception. Results: Eighty-nine (89.0%) of the respondents were aware of EC and 88.0% have approved of its provision. The most common indication for the EC was unprotected sexual intercourse (91.0%), followed by rape, failed contraception and missed pills. Sixty-five (84.4%) of Nurse/Midwives and CHEWs were willing to provide EC for prospective clients and 59(76.6%) of them had provided EC in the past. The commonest form of EC known to the respondents was Levonorgestrel (Postinor 2), followed by oral contraceptive pills (OCP) and intrauterine device (IUCD). Mifepristone and ulipristal were known to only 23.6% and 11.2% of the respondents respectively. Majority (79.6%) will give EC immediately after intercourse. Only 46.1% of the respondent would institute EC within 7 days of unprotected intercourse and among them, 50% were Nurse/Midwives and 46.4% were CHEWs. Conclusion: Both the knowledge and approval of EC among the HCWs in the IDP camps and host community clinics in Jere and Maiduguri metropolitan LGAs of Borno state are high. This can be harnessed to encourage the wide utilization of the EC by adolescents and other vulnerable womenin the IDP camps and Host communities.

Utilization and Associated Factors of Emergency Contraception among Female College Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Increasing the access and availability of modern contraceptives with emergency contraceptives prevent unplanned pregnancy. In Ethiopia, the rate of unintended pregnancy is high among adolescents. The role of the Emergency contraceptive is confirming in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and its sequels. However, the use of emergency contraceptives in cities like Addis Ababa is verylow. Given that unsafe abortion is the leading cause of maternal mortality, appropriate use of emergency contraceptives as back up for regular contraceptive is therefore needed. Objective: This study has assessed the practice of emergency contraception and associated factors among female students in ALKAN Health Science Business and Technology (HSBT) College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based study among 271 female ALKAN Health Science Business Technology College, Addis Ababa campus students using a self-administered questionnaire. The study subjects were selected randomly using a stratified sampling technique. We used both descriptive summaries statistics and logistic regression to present the study findings. Results: The majority (93.3%) had emergency contraceptives awareness. Among those who had heard about an emergency contraceptive, 81.5% had good emergency contraceptive knowledge. The magnitude of participants who had used emergency contraceptive was 12.9%, where oral pills (93.3%) were the most frequently used method. Factors significantly associated with the use of emergency contraception were user being sexually active [AOR=124.0, 95%CI=33.4-61.1)], age less than or equal to 20 years [AOR=5.7, 95%CI=2.35-3.91)], and being single [AOR=6.2, 95%CI= 1.91-20.0)]. Conclusion: Efforts should be made to educate college female students on emergency contraceptives usage in their formal lesson.

Factors Influencing the Knowledge and Practice of Emergency Contraception among Nigerian Male Undergraduates

Background: Unwanted pregnancies among young women is a growing reproductive health concern. Correct and consistent use of contraception will stop this ugly trend while emergency contraception (EC) can also be viewed as a 'second chance method' in preventing unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of emergency contraception among Nigerian male undergraduates as they are known to have risky sexual behaviours.Methodology: This was a cross sectional study involving three hundred and thirty male undergraduates from three Tertiary institutions in Ibadan. A Multi-staged random sampling technique was used to recruit participants.Results: Knowledge about EC was poor among majority (74.5%) of male undergraduates. About 55.2% of the participants were sexually active and out of which 33.9% are currently using EC. The commonly (67.5%) used EC by their partners was levonorgestrel only pill (Postinor). Participants with higher levels of education, awareness of EC, previous use or having a partner who had previouslyused EC, participants who had sex within the past 6 months and those who were willing to recommend EC to others had a better knowledge of EC, which were all statistically significant.Conclusion: Providing accurate information to improve knowledge of EC among young men could lead to an increase in the uptake of EC.

Factors Influencing the Knowledge and Practice of Emergency Contraception among Nigerian Male Undergraduates

Background: Unwanted pregnancies among young women is a growing reproductive health concern.Correct and consistent use of contraception will stop this ugly trend while emergency contraception (EC) can also be viewed as a 'second chance method' in preventing unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of emergency contraception among Nigerian male undergraduates as they areknown to have risky sexual behaviours.
 Methodology: This was a cross sectional study involving three hundred and thirty male undergraduates from three Tertiary institutions in Ibadan. A Multi-staged random sampling technique was used to recruit participants.Results: Knowledge about EC was poor among majority (74.5%) of male undergraduates. About 55.2% of the participants were sexually active and out of which 33.9% are currently using EC. The commonly (67.5%) used EC by their partners waslevonorgestrel only pill (Postinor). Participants with higher levels of education, awareness of EC, previous use or having a partner who had previously used EC, participants who had sex within the past 6 months and those who were willing to recommend EC to others had a better knowledge of EC, which were all statistically significant.
 Conclusion: Providing accurate information to improve knowledge of EC among young men could lead to an increase in the uptake of EC.

Knowledge and Practice of Emergency Contraception among Currently-Married Women in Bangladesh: Evidence from a National Cross-Sectional Survey

More than 30% of the total fertility of 2014 was unwanted in Bangladesh. Emergency contraception (EC) is generally used after sexual intercourse to prevent unintended pregnancy. The objective of this paper is to identify the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of knowledge and practice of EC among currently married reproductive-aged (15-49 year) women in Bangladesh. We employed the data from the nationally representative cross-sectional Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2014. We performed the chi-square test and logistic regression analyses. The knowledge of EC was only 14% among currently married women in 2014. Among the women who know about EC, the prevalence of use was 13.4%, while the incidence was only 6.1%. Age, region, residence, wealth index, media access, and use of modern contraception were the significant determinants of EC. The utilization of EC as a family planning method is crucial in Bangladesh, where the prevalence of unsafe and illegal abortion is present to a great extent. This study has highlighted the necessity of strengthening the structure of family planning service delivery through the exploration of the capacity for increasing knowledge and ensuring utilization of EC in the context of Bangladesh. &nbsp

Sexuality and Emergency Contraceptive Practice among Female Undergraduates in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Young people, especially those in tertiary institutions are vulnerable to unplanned and unprotected sexual intercourse which predisposes them to unintended pregnancies and subsequently unsafe abortions. One of the key interventions for reduction of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions is effective use of emergency contraceptives. Objectives: To assess the sexuality, perception, attitude towards and determinants of usage of emergency contraception among female undergraduates in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2016 among 805 female students of the Lagos State University. Data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaire by obtaining information on demography, sexual and contraceptive history, perception, attitude towards and use of emergency contraceptives. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Chi-square and logistic regression models were applied to variables to test for significance that predicts the use of emergency contraceptives. Results: Of the 725 (90%) completed questionnaires, 334 (46%) of the respondents were sexually active with 115 (34%) having previous history of pregnancy. Eighty-two percent of those pregnancies were unintended. Eighty-eight percent of those with unintended pregnancy had them terminated by induced abortions, 54% of which was carried out by untrained persons. Only 29% of those who had unprotected sexual intercourse used emergency contraceptives. Lack of knowledge and promotion of sexual promiscuity were identified as the main reasons for not using emergency contraceptives. Previous use of contraceptives, married status, increasing age and year of study were positive predictors for the use of emergency contraceptives while poor knowledge was a significant predictor of non-use. Conclusion: There was poor knowledge and low utilization of emergency contraceptives among respondents. Information on contraceptives should be introduced in secondary schools and in general studies courses in tertiary institutions while parents and caregivers should discuss issues relating to sex and contraceptives with adolescents.

Assessing Knowledge and Practice of Emergency Contraception among Female Students of Ayder Preparatory School Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia

Assessing Knowledge and Practice of Emergency Contraception among Female Students of Ayder Preparatory School Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia

Assessment of male involvement in emergency contraception in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State

Background : Emergency contraception (EC) refers to the use of drugs or a device as an emergency measure to prevent pregnancy. Lack of awareness and appropriate use of emergency contraception after unprotected sexual intercourse can lead to unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Male involvement in contraceptive practices could help reduce these sequelae. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraception and extent of partners’ communication with each other on pregnancy prevention among male students in the University of Benin, Benin City. Methods : A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 male students of the University of Benin selected by multistage sampling technique. Data was obtained with pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 20 and statistical significance was determined using Chi square and Fishers exact with p value set at < 0.05. Results : Three hundred and thirty-four (95.4%) of the respondents, had incorrect knowledge of Emergency Contraception (EC) while 293 (83.7%) respondents had a good attitude toward EC. One hundred and seventy-five (80.3%) of the respondents’ partners have used emergency contraception and only 93 (43.1%) respondents discussed pregnancy prevention with their partners. Conclusion : The knowledge of emergency contraception among respondents was poor. However, most respondents had positive attitude towards its use and majority of their partners had used EC. Therefore, health education program on pregnancy prevention methods is recommended to improve respondents’ knowledge. Keywords : Emergency contraception, Male involvement, Knowledge, Attitude, Pregnancy prevention

Use of emergency contraception in Nigeria: An exploration of related factors among sexually active female university students

ObjectiveUnsafe abortions account for nearly one-third of maternal deaths among young people. Women who have an induced abortion are usually literate and less than 30 years old; usually undergraduates with unintended pregnancies. Many of these pregnancies could have been prevented by contraception. The aim of this study was to determine the correlates of uptake of emergency contraception among university students. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 1328 sexually active, never married female university students. Self-administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, perception and practice of emergency contraception. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of emergency contraception. ResultsMajority of the participants were aware of emergency contraception (72.6%), had good knowledge (56.0%), and had the perception that it is effective (74.6%) and easy to use (72.4%). The main sources of information about emergency contraception were friends (32.9%) and the media (20.0%). About 52.0% of the participants had unprotected sex in the preceding six months, while 718 (54.1%) had ever used emergency contraception. The main sources of the commodities were sexual partners (46.2%) and medicine stores (35.4%). The uptake of emergency contraception was predicted by being ≤19 years (AOR = 3.193), rural dwelling (AOR = 4.247), perceptions that it is effective (AOR = 2.229E11) and easy to use (AOR = 6.680E8). ConclusionUse of contraception among sexually active female Nigerian university students is predicted by the perception about its effectiveness and ease of use. Sexual and reproductive health programmes should focus on improving knowledge and addressing misconception in order to improve perception about emergency contraception.

Awareness and practice of emergency contraception at a private university in Nigeria.

BackgroundThe pursuit of formal education now causes many people in developing countries to marry later in life, thereby leading to increased premarital sex and unintended pregnancies. Efforts have been made to characterize awareness and use of emergency contraception (EC) among undergraduate students in public universities in Nigeria; however, it is not known if students in private tertiary institutions adopt different practices or if having an affluent family background plays a role. This pilot study therefore aimed to assess the awareness and use of EC among students at a private Nigerian university toward assisting education planners in developing strategies in improving students’ reproductive well-being.ResultsOut of 94 female students, 42 (44.7%) had sexual experience, but only 32 (34.0%) were currently sexually active. Six students (6.4%) had had unwanted pregnancies, of which all but one were terminated. Fifty-seven respondents (60.6%) were aware of EC, though only 10 (10.6%) ever practiced it. The greatest source of EC information was from health workers and peers; the lowest source was family or relatives. Most respondents desired orientation and availability of EC on campus. EC awareness among the students was predicted by upper social class background (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–7.45) and upbringing in the Federal Capital Territory (adjusted OR, 4.45; 95% CI, 1.56–14.22).ConclusionsThough awareness of EC was higher among the private university students in this study than at most public universities, there was no difference in EC usage. A high pregnancy termination rate was observed; dilatation and curettage were mainly adopted. In Nigeria, youth-friendly reproductive health information and access should not be limited to government-owned tertiary institutions but also extended to private ones.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Emergency Contraception among Female Students in Preparatory School of East Shoa, Adama, Ethiopia

Background: Emergency contraception are birth control measures that, if taken after unprotected sexual intercourse, contraceptive failure, incorrect use of contraceptives or in cases of sexual assault may prevent pregnancy. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of female preparatory students towards emergency contraception in April, 2015. Method: The study was conducted in Adama city of Oromia region on 280 female students of Hawas preparatory school on 13 to 18 April, 2015. A cross sectional study design was conducted and Participants were selected using simple random sampling method. Data was collected by using self-administered questionnaires. Data processing and analysis: The collected data was entered into a computer and analyzed using statistical package of social science version 16.0. Result: In this study it was found that, 182 (65%) out of the study participants had a knowledge about emergency contraception most 143 (51.1%) of them reported that they know post pills and 20 (7.01%) of study participants had good knowledge about emergency contraception. Among 280 the study participants, 204 (72.9%) believe that emergency contraception is a good drug of option to prevent unwanted pregnancy and about 165 (59%) of them had positive attitude towards emergency contraceptives whereas 33 (11.78%) study participants had good practice of emergency contraception. Conclusion and recommendation: Even though this study revealed that some students` knowledge and practice towards emergency contraception was good, the improvement of female students’ knowledge about specific details of the method and timely utilization of emergency contraception is still required. Therefore Hawas Preparatory school shall better improve knowledge of emergency contraception among the students by arranging different coffee debate.

Factors Associated with Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Emergency Contraception among Female Clients of Ethiopian Immigration and Nationality Affairs Office

Background: Proper knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptives prevent occurrence of undesirable outcomes of the unintended conceptions. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level and factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraception. Methods: An institution based cross sectional study design was conducted among 416 female clients of Ethiopian immigration and nationality affair office in Addis Ababa in 2013. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Face to face interviewer administered structured questionnaire was employed to collect data on their socio-demographic and reproductive health issues. Both binary and multiple logistic regressions were done and statistical significance was considered based on 95% CI of odds ratios and P- Value <0.05. Result: Only 40.1% of the participants had ever heard about emergency contraceptive of whom 47.3% were found to be knowledgeable rated based on multiple knowledge questions. Around 39.4% had positive attitude towards emergency contraceptive. Only 9.3% of the sexually active participants have ever used emergency contraceptive. Lack of knowledge about the method was major barrier for not using emergency contraceptive. Age 20 and above years [AOR=7.20, 95% CI=1.26, 41.08], being married [AOR=12.49, 95%CI=1.81, 86.47] and ever used emergency contraceptive [AOR=5.26, 95%CI=1.05, 26.54] were significant predictors to knowledge of emergency contraceptive while having adequate knowledge about emergency contraceptive [AOR=5.08,95%CI=1.19,21.56] and ever used contraceptive [AOR=13.7, 95% CI=2.66, 70.59] were significant predictor for use of emergency contraceptive. Conclusion: The level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards emergency contraceptive is very low depicting potential of emergency contraceptive to prevent unintended pregnancies and their complications is far from being realized. Hence, awareness creations accompanied by availing necessary supplies are needed to raise knowledge and practice of emergency contraceptive among female adolescents departing to different nations.