Emergency Contraception Knowledge and Practices Among Advanced-Level Secondary School Female Students in Geita Town Council, Tanzania

Abstract

Background

Pregnancy in young girls negatively affects their health, their unborn and later-born child, and their social and psychological life. Effective use of Emergency Contraceptives (EC) significantly decreases abortion-related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices towards EC among female secondary school students in Geita Town Council in the Geita Region, Tanzania. 

Materials and methods

This was a descriptive cross-section study design that used an interviewer-administered questionnaire to gather information from 384 participants who were advanced secondary school-level female students in Geita. Multistage sampling was used to select study participants. Data was analysed using Stata software version 14.0. Frequency was estimated for categorical variables and mean, and standard deviation were used to summarize continuous variables. The Chi-Square test was used to establish the relationship between knowledge of EC and independent variables such as demographic characteristics and practices on EC.

Results

The majority, 336 (87.5%) of study participants had never heard of EC, and 208 (61.9%) had adequate knowledge of EC. Pills were the most reported form of EC 266 (79.2%) while 231 (68.7%) mentioned the correct dose of EC pill. More than half 198 (58.9%) agreed that using EC lowers the risk of getting pregnant and only 99 (29.5%) knew the correct timing of taking EC. The school was reported to be the most source of information 135 (40.2%). Students aged 15-19 years have a higher proportion, 138 (66.3%) of adequate knowledge than those aged 19 years and above. Students in form five classes were more knowledgeable (51.4%) about EC compared to form six classes (48.6%). Students with mothers who have a primary level of education have a higher proportion of 82 (39.4%) of adequate knowledge compared to other categories. Respondents whose fathers have ordinary college/University levels of education have a higher proportion of adequate knowledge than others.

Conclusion

Female secondary school students in Geita have adequate knowledge of EC, but very few have ever used it. More education and information on EC are needed for female students and the general population.