Acceptance of emergency contraception use among university students in Ogbomoso

Abstract

Emergency contraception (EC) are methods of contraception used to prevent unintended pregnancy after sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. The available methods include oral pills and intrauterine contraceptive device. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of university students in Ogbomoso concerning emergency contraception. descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Bowen University, Ogbomoso. The minimum sample size of four hundred and forty-eight was calculated using Kish Leslie formula. Multistage sampling was used to select the participants. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire. Seven hundred and seventy two questionnaires were completed and analysed. Majority of the respondents were aged 20-29 (71.9%); females (59.2%); Yoruba (85.5%) and single (97.2%). 375 (48.6%) were aware of EC. Unprotected sexual intercourse was the commonest indication with 313 (83.5%) being aware of it as an indication. 158 (42.2%) got their information from friends. 181 (64.9%) knew the correct dose of COCP to use as EC. 237 (63.2%) of total respondents had a positive attitude towards EC and were willing to use it and recommend to friends. 122 (32.5%) of those aware of EC were sexually active. 37 (30.3%) of the sexually active female respondents had used EC. This puts EC uptake among the female respondents at 8.1%. This study shows that there is a need to improve on the knowledge of the respondents about emergency contraception. This may increase the uptake of emergency contraception when indicated.