Regular Undergraduate Students Research Articles

Pregnancy History and Associated Factors among Hawassa University Regular Undergraduate Female Students, Southern Ethiopia, 2020

Introduction: Global incidence of pregnancies among University students is increasing, and challenging in Universities of Ethiopia. There are a few studies on pregnancy experiences among university students in Ethiopia the finding will be used by policymakers, additive of the existing knowledge, and as a reference for future researchers. Objective: To assess the magnitude of pregnancy experiences and associated factors among Hawassa University regular female students from May 1, 2019, to May 15, 2019. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1, 2019, to May 15, 2019, and 741 participants were selected using a multistage sampling method from Hawassa University regular undergraduate female students. EPidata for entry and SPSS for analysis were used. Variables with p<0.25 on bivariate were used for multivariable analysis and p<0.05 were considered significant. Result: Magnitude of pregnancies experience among Hawassa University regular undergraduate female students was 98(13.2%) (95% CI: 10.8, 15.7). College of Agriculture 3.76 (AOR=3.76, 95% CI: 1.66, 8.50), Social Science and Humanity 2.63 (AOR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.02, 6.81), and Natural and Computational Science 3.41 (AOR=3.41, 95% CI: 1.54, 7.54) times more likely to have pregnancy compared to the college of Medicine and Health sciences. Married respondents were 2.39 (AOR=2.39, 95%CI: 1.54, 7.54) times more likely to have pregnancy compared to respondents who were not married. Respondents’ source of income for a parent was 47% (AOR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.96) less likely to have pregnancy compared to respondents whose source of income was a partner. Respondents who have a history of using contraceptives were 75% (AOR=0.25, 95%CI: 0.14, 0.44) less likely to have a pregnancy. Conclusion: The magnitude of pregnancy experience was high among regular undergraduate female students of Hawassa University compared to other studies. Being non-health colleges, married status, partner as a source of income, and not having contraceptive usage history were statistically significant factors to have a pregnancy. Non-health colleges’ needs to be evaluated about their SRH information flow by the university.

Magnitude of Mental Distress and its Determinants Among Medical and Health Science Regular Undergraduate Students at Jimma University: Institutional Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Mental distress is a group of mental problems manifested by symptoms of insomnia, fatigue, irritability, forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, and somatic complaints. University students have more severe mental health problems than the general population. Objectives: Therefore, this study attempted to assess the magnitude of mental distress and its determinants among medical and health science regular undergraduate students at Jimma University. Methods: A descriptive institutional-based with cross-sectional study design was conducted at Jimma University from March to April 2017 on regular undergraduate medical and health science students of the Faculty of Health Science. Study participants were selected from each batch using simple random sampling techniques and from the department by lottery method. Mental distress was assessed by using Self-Reporting questionnaire-20. Participants with score of eight and above on the Self-Reporting questionnaire-20 were considered as having mental distress. Chi-square and descriptive statistics were done using SPSS-20. Results: From a total of 369 study participants, about 354 gave the response rate of (95.9%). The magnitude of mental distress among medical and health science students was 35.03 %. Most of the respondents were males by sex and the mean age of the respondents was 23 years with SD ± 6. Age, sex, year of study, the practice of religion, presence of family history of mental illness, department choice, and ever use of substance (chat chewing and alcohol) were predictor variables and significantly associated with mental distress at P &lt; 0.05. Conclusions: The magnitude of mental distress in our study was 35.03% and it needs intervention and addressing the mentioned factors significantly associated with mental distress.

Stress and Its Impact on Academic and Social Life of Undergraduate University Students in Ghana: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

AbstractStress is concomitant with students’ life and can have a significant impact on their lives, and even how they go about their academic work. Globally, in every five visits by patients to the doctor, three are stress-related problems. This study examined stress and its impact on the academic and social life among students of a university in Ghana. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Using the stratified and simple random (random numbers) sampling methods, 500 regular undergraduate students were engaged in the study. A questionnaire made up of Perceived Stress Scale and Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale was used to gather data for the study. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with AMOS were used for the analyses. It was found that majority of the students were moderately stressed. Paramount among the stressors were academic stressors, followed by institutional stressors, and external stressors. Stress had a significant positive impact on the academic and social life of students. It was concluded that undergraduate students, in one way or the other, go through some kind of stress during the course of their study. It was recommended that the university, through its Students’ Affairs, and Counselling Sections, continue to empower students on how to manage and deal with stress in order to enhance their academic life.

Social Phobia and Its Impact on Quality of Life Among Regular Undergraduate Students of Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia.

BackgroundSocial anxiety disorder is a serious and disabling mental health problem that begins before or during adolescence, with the potential to significantly interfere with an individual’s daily functioning and overall quality of life.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to assess the prevalence, severity, and quality of life towards social anxiety disorder among students of Mettu University, Ethiopia.Subjects and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among a stratified sample of 523 undergraduate students to identify the prevalence, correlates of social anxiety disorder, and impacts on quality life. All participants completed the Social Phobia Inventory, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Form, Turkish Version (WHOQOL-BREF-TR). Of 523 students, 26% were screened positive for social anxiety disorder. About 69.4% and 17.4% of the students had mild and moderate symptoms of social anxiety disorder, respectively. WHOQOL BREF-TR scores showed that students with social phobia had significantly lower quality of life quality than those without social phobia. Being criticized by others or fear of parties was the most commonly feared situations. Talking to strangers was the most commonly avoided situations. Being females, current tobacco use, and family history of psychiatric illness were factors significantly associated with social phobia symptoms using logistic regression analysis.ConclusionThe current study shows high prevalence of social phobia among the university students and its significant negative effects on quality of life which require prompt identification and treatment.

Unsafe sex practice and its associated factors among regular undergraduate students of Mekelle University, Ethiopia, 2019: a facility based cross-sectional study

Background: Unsafe sex is ranked second among the top ten risk factors to health that may lead to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancy and/or unsafe abortion. Despite the high burden of unsafe sex practices in Ethiopia, little was known on reasons and associated factors in the study setting in particular. Objective: To examine unsafe sex practice and its associated factors among regular undergraduate students of Mekelle University, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: a facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted among randomly selected 797 regular under graduate students of Mekelle University using the multistage sampling design. A multiple logit model was fitted to identify factors associated with unsafe sex practice. Finally, Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) was estimated and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used for statistical decision. Main findings: Overall, approximately 44% of the participants who had sex in the last 12 months practiced unsafe sex. Major reasons to have had unsafe sex were - for fun, lack of awareness, trusting sexual partners and no access to use condom. Dormitory living condition (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20 – 0.99) and taking course on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) (AOR =0.49; 95% CI: 0.28 – 0.85) had protective effect against unsafe sex practice. Conclusion: The unsafe sex practice was significantly high in the current study. Thus, comprehensive information and education on SRH has to be implemented by the University to prevent unsafe sex practices associated bad consequences among the students.

Magnitude And Associated Factors Of Induced Abortion Among Regular Undergraduate Students Of Dilla University

Magnitude And Associated Factors Of Induced Abortion Among Regular Undergraduate Students Of Dilla University

Pregnancy History and Associated Factors Among Hawassa University Regular Undergraduate Female Students, Southern Ethiopia

Introduction: Global incidence of pregnancies among University students is increasing; and challenging in Universities of Ethiopia. There are a few studies on pregnancy experiences among university students in Ethiopia. The finding will be used by policy makers, additive of the existing knowledge and as a reference for future researchers. Objective: To assess magnitude of pregnancy experiences and associated factors among Hawassa University regular female students from May 1-15, 2019. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1-15, 2019 and 741 participants were selected using multistage sampling method from Hawassa University regular undergraduate female students. EPidata for entry and SPSS for analysis were used. Variables with p <0.25 on bivariate were used for multivariable analysis and p<0.05 were considered significant. Result: Magnitude of pregnancies experience among Hawassa University regular undergraduate female students was 98 (13.2%) (95% CI: 10.8, 15.7). Collage of Agriculture 3.76 (AOR= 3.76, 95% CI: 1.66, 8.50), Social Science and Humanity 2.63 (AOR= 2.63, 95% CI: 1.02, 6.81), and Natural and Computational science 3.41 (AOR= 3.41, 95% CI: 1.54, 7.54) times more likely to have pregnancy compared to college of Medicine and Health sciences. Married respondents were 2.39 (AOR=2.39, 95%CI: 1.54, 7.54) times more likely to have pregnancy compared to respondents who were not married. Respondents source of income was parent were 47% (AOR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.96) less likely to have pregnancy compared to respondents whose source of income were partner. Respondents who have history of using contraceptive were 75% (AOR=0.25, 95%CI: 0.14, 0.44) less likely to have pregnancy. Conclusion: Magnitude of pregnancy experience was high among regular undergraduate female students of Hawassa University compared to other studies. Being non health colleges, married status, partner as a source of income and not having contraceptive usage history were statistically significant factors to have pregnancy. Non health colleges’ needs to be evaluated about their SRH information flow by the university.

Induced Abortion and Its Predictors Among Hawassa University Female Students

Global incidence of unsafe abortion among University students is increasing; and still frequent and worrisome in Universities of Ethiopia. There are a few studies on induced abortion among university students. There for this study was aimed to determine magnitude and predictors of induced abortion among Hawassa University female students. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1-15, 2019 and 741 participants were selected from Hawassa University regular undergraduate female students. For entry and analysis EPidata and SPSS was used respectively. Association between dependent and independent variables were measured by adjusted odds ratio. Variables with p <0.25 on bivariate were used for multivariable analysis and p<0.05 were considered significant. Magnitude of induced abortion among Hawassa University students was 9.6%. From the respondents 68% of them age greater or equal to 20 (AOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.74) were less likely to have induced abortion compared to those respondents with age less than or equal to 19. Married respondents were 3.32 times (AOR=3.32, 95% CI: 1.51, 7.28) more likely to have induced abortion compared to not married respondents. From the respondents 95% of them who have heard only about short term contraceptive (AOR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.66) were more likely to have induced abortion compared to those who have heard only about long term contraceptives. Respondents who have used methods to avoid pregnancy currently were 5.41 times (AOR=5.41, 95% CI: 2.73, 10.72) more likely to have induced abortion compared to who haven’t used any method. Induced abortion among Hawassa university female student was high compared to other studies. This study showed the independent predictors of abortion among Hawassa University students were age, marital status, type of contraceptive they know and using any method to avoid pregnancy currently.

Assessment of Psychological Counseling Service for Higher Education Institution Students

Guidance and counseling programs are effective in assisting young students in various aspects like academic achievement, study habits and choosing appropriate careers. A study was conducted in a public university in Ethiopia among 605 regular undergraduate students. Its objective was to investigate the students’ awareness and use of Psychological Counseling Service at Higher Education Institutions. The study results show that demographic variables were strongly accounted for the variances in awareness of psychological counseling and use of the service. Majority of the male students (67.8%) had not heard about the presence of psychological counseling service while 24.3% of female students did not know about such a service. More than 60% of the study participants gave top priority for psychological counseling service in higher education institutions. Students’ year of study and place of residence were significantly associated with the students rating of crisis intervention and emergency services, χ2 (9)=23.40, p&lt;.01. The importance given to psychological counseling services also varied based on the place of origin and academic year of the students. Students believed psychological counseling service contributed to their academic success. Implications are discussed.

Evaluation of neglected bio-wastes potential with food-energy-sanitation nexus

Abstract The purpose of this study is to assess the quantity and characteristics of food wastes and human excreta generated from Jimma University with the food-energy-sanitation nexus approach. The focus of this study is on food wastes and human excreta generated by regular undergraduate students living and feeding in the university. The results of the study showed that the University has an annual production potential of over 680 tons of food wastes, 715 tons of fresh feces and over 8 million liters of urine. This enables each student to an annual potential production of 4 kg of N, 0.6 kg of P and 0.96 kg of K from excreta and 1.7 kg of N, 0.5 kg of P and 0.51 kg of K from food wastes. The University potentially produces about 110 tons of nitrogen and 22 tons of phosphorus per year. Both food wastes and feces generated from the University have the theoretical potential of 8568 GJ of energy. This is a huge resource to contribute to the increasing fertilizer and energy demands in the country/region while contributing to the reduction of associated sanitation problems. Currently, the University is trying to solve these issues, but the planned option is not sustainable and does not enable closed-loop nutrient circulations. The current study considered food waste and human excreta generated by regular undergraduate students. Further research is recommended to study factors influencing end-use food waste generation in order to reduce wasting of food contributing to food security. Assessment of solid wastes and grey wastewater is also recommended to provide a full picture of the wastes potentially generated from the university.

Estimation of stature by anatomical anthropometric parameters in first-year regular undergraduate students at Debre Markos University, North West Ethiopia

Introduction: The stature of an individual is an inherent characteristic and is considered as an important parameter of personal identification. Estimating stature from the measurement of various body parts is of particular interest to forensic scientists, anatomists and medical researchers in order to complete biological profiles after death or when measuring standing height is impossible. However, establishing the identity of an individual from mutilated, decomposed and amputated body fragments is a challenging task in medico-legal cases, and a necessity when measuring standing height is difficult. Objectives of the study: To assess the relationship between anatomical anthropometric measurements and stature in undergraduate students at Debre Markos University (DMU), Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: An institutional-based, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted among first-year undergraduate students at DMU. The sample size was 572 and data were collected from April to June 2018. Height, weight, head circumference, head length, inter-acromial length, humeral length, ulnar length, hand length and breadth, tibial length, and foot length and breadth were measured in both sexes. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 statistical software. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of study participants was 21.27±1.74 years for males and 20.41±1.58 years for females. The mean height of study participants was 168.36±5.89cm for males and 165.24±4.01cm for females. The correlation coefficients (R) of anatomical anthropometric measurements with height were: head circumference (males R = 0.404, females R = 0.127), head length (males R = 0.422, females R = 0.168), inter-acromial length (males R = 0.530, females R = 0.140), right humeral length (males R = 0.539, females R = 0.163), left humeral length (males R = 0.535, females R = 0.159), right ulnar length (males R = 0.496, females R = 0.147), left ulnar length (males R = 0.498, females R = 0.144), right hand length (males R = 0.276, females R = 0.125), left hand length (males R = 0.243, females R = 0.122), right hand breadth (males R = 0.349, females R = 0.129), left hand breadth (males R = 0.331, females R = 0.124), right tibial length (males R = 0.634, females R = 0.259), left tibial length (males R = 0.632, females R = 0.258), right foot length (males R = 0.579, females R = 0.185), left foot length (males R = 0.581, females R = 0.186), right foot breadth (males R = 0.311), left foot breadth (males R = 0.306). The highest correlation was found in the right tibial length in both males and females. Conclusions: All anatomical anthropometric parameters were significantly (p<0.05) correlated with height in both sexes, except foot breadth in females. Therefore, all anatomical anthropometric parameters, including head circumference, head length, inter-acromial length, humeral length, ulnar length, hand length, hand breadth, tibial length, foot length and foot breadth, can estimate stature in both sexes, except foot breadth in females. Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2019; 33(3):188-197] Key words: Estimation of stature, anthropometry, anatomical anthropometric parameters

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards testicular self-examination among regular undergraduate non-health sciences university students, Debre Tabor, Amhara Regional State, North West Ethiopia

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards testicular self-examination among regular undergraduate non-health sciences university students, Debre Tabor, Amhara Regional State, North West Ethiopia

Students’ Perspective On Using Internet Based Dental Educational Videos As An Adjunct In Dental Education

Objective: The aim of this study was to observe students’ perspective regarding the role of internet-based education as a supplementing tool in dental education. Study Design and Setting: A cross-sectional survey was designed and carried out among the dental students of Margalla Institute of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi in March 2018. Methodology: Approximately two hundred and five regular undergraduate dental students of 2nd, 3rd and final year BDS were included with an overall response rate of 100%. A self-administered close-ended questionnaire was used regarding the student’s perspective of using internet based educational videos during their course of dental education. Data was analyzed using SPSS version .24. Descriptive statistics was calculated.Chisquare test was used. P&lt;0.05 was taken as significant. Result: Majority of the students (97.6%) considered internet based dental educational videos (IBDEVs) was a significant supplementing tool in dental education and agreed that the knowledge gained by internet based dental educational videos was retainable and reproducible. A greater frequency of students (88.8%) searched for videos based on clinical procedures than those for theory-based topics. No significant difference was observed between males and females as well as students of different years regarding opinion about significance of IBDEVs and their frequency of use (P&gt;.05). Conclusion: Internet based dental educational videos (IBDEVs) were used as a beneficial supplementing tool by dental undergraduate students to enhance their understanding of a topic and improve overall learning.

Mental distress and associated factors among Aksum University students, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMental distress is becoming a common health problem in Ethiopia. The prevalence of mental distress is higher among university students than the general population. However, there is inadequate information in this regard in Ethiopia situations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of mental distress among regular undergraduate students in Aksum University, North Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution based cross-sectional study was carried out among 919 students from May 10 to 20, 2016. Students were selected by stratified multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using pre-tested and structured self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EPI-INFO version 7 and then exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to determine the factors associated with mental distress among university students.ResultsThe prevalence of mental distress was nearly four in ten (39.6%) students. Being female sex (AOR =1.7, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.34), low social support (AOR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.97, 4.72), freshman students (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.71), having had conflict with friends (AOR = 1.5,95% CI: 1.03, 1.90), financial problem (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.59, 2.92), family history of mental disorder (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.37, 3.21), scoring lower grade (AOR = 1.51,95% CI: 1.03, 1.61), argument with instructors (AOR = 1.52,95% CI: 1.12, 2.07) and field of study (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.37) were significantly associated with mental distress.ConclusionThis study has shown that the magnitude of mental distress among Aksum University students was high. Several social and economic factors were significantly associated with mental distress of the students. Therefore, mental distress needs special focus and timely corrective action by policy makers, university officials, and other concerned stakeholders.

Awareness and practice of testicular self-examination among regular undergraduate male health sciences university students, Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common cancer among 15–35-year-old males and the incidence is increasing. This form of cancer is easily diagnosable by testicular self-examination (TSE) and is 96% curable if detected early. Objective: To assess awareness and practice of testicular self-examination among regular undergraduate Male Health Sciences University students, Debre Tabor, North West Ethiopia. Patients and Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. The study participants were stratified based on their year of study and selected by simple random sampling method. Pretested and structured self-administered questionnaire were used. The data were entered to EpiData version 3.1 statistical software and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0 for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify associated factors. P Conclusion: knowledge and practice of TSE among respondents were poor. The reason not to perform TSE, as revealed in the study was not caring the examination and lack of knowledge toward TSE. They are unaware of their risk for TC, which is the most common neoplasm in this age group. Providing regular health education toward TSE is important to improve the knowledge of.

Magnitude of substances use and associated factors among regular undergraduate students of private higher education institutions in Adama town, Oromia, Ethiopia

Background: Psychoactive substances are those substances which have various natural or synthetic compounds that act on the nervous system causing change in the function that regulate thoughts, behavior and emotions. Abuse of such substances involves increasing the risk of injuries, aggressions and the risk of unsafe sexual behaviors. The problem is even worse when it happens among young people such as students of higher educational institutions. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of substance use and factors associated among regular undergraduate students of private higher education institutions from June 2018 up to August 2018 in Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia, Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted. Study participants (596) selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data collected using pre-tested self- administered modified WHO Model core questionnaire. The collected data cleaned, coded and entered to Epi-Info 7.2 computer software and analyzed by SPSS version 21.Descriptive statistics used to summarize variables as appropriate. Binary logistic regression used to select variables for multivariable analysis. Result: A total of 596 students participated in the study. The response rate was 100%. Three hundred eighty nine (65.3%) participants were female, Four hundred seventy two (79.2%) were in the age group 18-24 years. Based on this study magnitude of substance use at least for one substance in the last 12 months among the study participants was 33.9% with 95%CI (29.9, 37.6), The most commonly used substance in descending order was Cigarette (7.0%), Khat (6.4%) and Alcohol (3.4%). Based on this study finding all substance use (Cigarette, Khat and Alcohol) together counted (17.1%). Female participation had high significance, family members using substance, believing substance use as good and knowing the risk of substance use also had significance. Based on this study associated factors for substance use showed that to increase work performance 10.2%, to minimize tension 9.7% and due to peer influence 8.7%. Pattern of substance use showed most of the participant’s use substance weekly 14.4%, monthly 7.7%, daily abusers 7.0% and other occasional users were 5.2%. Conclusion: This study showed magnitude 33.9% for at least one substance use for the past 12 months. Family history of students using substance had more significant. Showing the risk of Substance use among study subjects, the created_at of awareness for family members and consistent health education should be continued to fully address the problem of using substance.

The impact of components of information literacy on student success in higher education

Purpose: Student proficiency in information literacy (IL) is one of key competences for their independence, critical selection of information sources, implementation of new information, and the ethical use of information sources on their way to professional development. The study researched the influence of information literacy on student success in higher education.Methodology/approach: The study is based on a sample of 197 regular undergraduate students, and the results were analyzed by using the multiple regression analysis.Results: The results show that proficiency in searching for information sources positively influences students’ success. Within the component Search, the influence of effective search procedures and the ability to master bibliographic sources on students’ success were measured.Research limitation: The study was limited to four components of IL (Theoretical knowledge, Search, Evaluation and Use of information), and the sample included students of economic and business sciences.Originality/practical implications: It was concluded that information literacy should be an integral part of the ongoing learning process and its effects should be constantly tested and improved.

Impact of Library User Education Program on Undergraduate Students in Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria

The study sought to examine the impact of user education on the utilization of library resources by undergraduate students of Benue State University, Makurdi. The study adopted the survey research design and the population consisted of 25,232 regular undergraduate students in 7 faculties which a sample size of 380 respondents were selected using proportional random sampling technique. Self-developed questionnaires were distributed among sample undergraduate students. However, only three hundred and forty one 341 (89.73%) questionnaires were returned in good shape and analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage and mean. The findings of the study revealed that user education positively impacted the undergraduate students’ use of library resources and the academic performance. The method employed in teaching user education includes lecture method, independent assignment, and practical exercises among others. The study identified some problems that includes; over population, lack of instructional materials, poor monitoring of staff, inadequate qualified staff, limited time allocation, inadequate accommodation and space. The strategies that can be adopted to enhance effective user education to undergraduate students as indicated in the findings includes; provision of adequate staff, proper ventilation and illumination of venue, regular monitoring and control of user education procedures, adjustment of user education time to suit students, positive attitude of staff to the program among others. The study concludes that the library occupies a central place in the achievement of educational objectives of the students and this has made user education indispensable in the library.

Knowledge and Perception Towards Cervical Cancer among Female Debre Berhan University Students

BackgroundCervical cancer is a global public health problem with around five hundred thirty thousand new cases and two hundred sixty five thousand deaths annually in 2015. Risky behaviors, lack of knowledge and preventative measures in young women, increase the risks of cervical cancer later in life. Up to date, there is scarcity of study on level of knowledge and perception towards cervical cancer among young women in Ethiopia. So, this study was aimed to determine the level of knowledge and perception toward cervical cancer among female regular undergraduate Debre Berhan University students.MethodsA facility based cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaire among female regular DBU students from May to June, 2015. Two stage cluster sampling technique was used for the study. Data was entered and cleaned in Epi info and imported to SPSS for analysis. Binary logistic regression was carried out to determine factors of good knowledge on cervical cancer. P-value less than 0.05 was considered for statistical significance.ResultsEighty-four (14.5%) of the study participants were sexually active. Of the participants, 232(40.5%) had heard of cervical cancer but only 195 (35.6%) had good knowledge towards cervical cancer and of the study participants, only 185 (33.2%) perceived as they are susceptible for cervical cancer. Using radio and TV as source of information [AOR= 1.918 (95% CI: 1.223, 3.010)], having information about sexually transmitted infections (STI) [AOR =3.030 (95% CI: 1.665, 5.514)] were significantly and independently associated with good knowledge on cervical cancer.ConclusionsThe level of knowledge towards cervical cancer and perception of acquiring the disease was poor. Health education interventions are needed to improve the awareness and health seeking behavior in youth women thereby preventing cervical cancer related morbidity and mortality.

English

Unwanted pregnancy can occur due to unprotected sexual intercourse and condom breakage. To prevent such problem, emergency contraceptives is the only method that can be used after unprotected sex. This study aimed to assess emergency contraceptive utilization and associated factors among regular undergraduate female students of Wollo University. A cross sectional study was conducted from April 1 to 15, 2017. Simple random sampling was used and 508 study subjects participated with response rate of 100%. Among the total respondents, 41.9% had sexual intercourse at least once prior to this study. Of those who had sexual intercourse, 19.7% had sexual intercourse without condom/contraception. From all respondents, 68.1% of the respondents have ever heard about emergency contraception, but only 30.9% used emergency contraception after unprotected sexual intercourse. Currently, unmarried students were 3.8 times more likely to use emergency contraceptive than currently married students (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 0.904 to 0.269). Those students who began sexual intercourse at age 13 years or less were 4.7 times more likely to use emergency contraceptive than those students who began sexual intercourse above age 13 years (AOR: 4.7, 95% CI: 1.403 to 15.769). Emergency contraceptive utilization was low among sexually active students after unprotected sexual debut. Sexual and reproductive health education program should be set up for the university students to avail accurate information about emergency contraception. Key words: Emergency cotraceptive use, Wollo University, female students.