Utilisation of Emergency Contraception among Final Year University Female Students
Advances in Research,
Page 39-54
DOI:
10.9734/air/2022/v23i230329
Abstract
Introduction: Unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion have become serious public health concerns around the world, particularly among female students in both developed and developing countries. The general objective of this study was to investigate the utilization of emergency contraception among final-year female students of a public university in Ghana.
Methods: A stratified random sample was used to enroll 199 female university students for descriptive cross-sectional research. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. To compare categorical variables, Chi-square analysis was employed, and a p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Majority (88.4%) of the respondents demonstrated sufficient knowledge, and 84.4% had a favorable attitude towards emergency contraceptives (ECs). On the indications for EC; after unprotected sex (65.3%), after a missed period (22.6%), when one is raped (83.4%), unwanted pregnancy (75.9%), and rupture of condoms (88.9%) were identified. The majority (59.3%) of students have used EC, with most of the students (43.7%) using Postinor-2. The overall attitude towards EC and Residence (X2=7.5; p=0.023), Religion (X2=6.2; p=0.042), and marital status (X2=17.1, p=0.001) were statistically significant. There was a significant association between the use of EC and Residence (X2=10.9; p=0.004) and marital status (X2=8.6; p=0.035).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that students had a high level of knowledge and favourable attitude towards EC, with a significant number of the respondents likely to utilize it in the future. This may aid in the treatment of female students' sexual and reproductive health issues and prevent dropping out of school as a result of unwanted pregnancy. Also, there is the need to engage opinion leaders to address their concerns to allow for the effective utilization of emergency contraceptives.
Keywords:
- Emergency contraceptive
- female university students
- utilization
How to Cite
Ti-enkawol Nachinab, G., Nyagre Yakong, V., Pwamang, E., Apawo Awe, C., & Alowri, F. (2022). Utilisation of Emergency Contraception among Final Year University Female Students. Advances in Research, 23(2), 39-54. https://doi.org/10.9734/air/2022/v23i230329
References
Manortey S, Duah WT, Baiden F. Factors associated with the use of emergency contraceptive pills among students of the Takoradi Polytechnic in Ghana. J Sci Res Reports. 2016;1–10.
Issah F. Knowledge, attitudes and practice of emergency contraception use among female students of the University for Development Studies (Uds), Tamale Campus; 2021.
Kongnyuy EJ, Ngassa P, Fomulu N, Wiysonge CS, Kouam L, Doh AS. A survey of knowledge, attitudes and practice of emergency contraception among university students in Cameroon. BMC Emerg Med. 2007;7(1):1–7.
Demissie TW, Nigatu AM, Beyene GM. Assessment of emergency contraceptives utilization and associated factors among female college students at Debre Tabor town. Contracept Reprod Med. 2020;5(1):1–9.
Hammoud R, Saleh S, Halawani D, Mezher H, Abou El Naga A, Azakir B. Knowledge and attitudes of Lebanese women of childbearing age towards emergency contraception. Eur J Contracept Reprod Heal Care. 2020;25(1):28–32.
Neinstein LS. Adolescent health care: a practical guide. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008;414.
Mutaru A-M, Asumah M, Ibrahim M, Sumaila I, Hallidu M, Mbemah J, et al. Knowledge on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and sexual practices among Nursing Trainees in Yendi Municipality, Northern Region of Ghana. Eur J Heal Sci. 2021;6(4):33–47.
Starrs AM, Ezeh AC, Barker G, Basu A, Bertrand JT, Blum R, et al. Accelerate progress—sexual and reproductive health and rights for all: report of the Guttmacher–Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2018; 391(10140):2642–92. UNFPA. UNFPA Annual Report | 2016. 2016; Available: https://www.unfpa.org/annual-report-2016
Abraha D, Welu G, Berwo M, Gebretsadik M, Tsegay T, Gebreheat G, et al. Knowledge of and Utilization of Emergency Contraceptive and Its Associated Factors among Women Seeking Induced Abortion in Public Hospitals, Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia, 2017: A Cross-Sectional Study. Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019.
Ajayi AI, Nwokocha EE, Akpan W, Adeniyi OV. Use of non-emergency contraceptive pills and concoctions as emergency contraception among Nigerian University students: results of a qualitative study. BMC Public Health. 2016;16(1):1–8.
Akinlusi FM, Rabiu KA, Adewunmi AA, Imosemi OD, Ottun TA, Badmus SA. Complicated unsafe abortion in a Nigerian teaching hospital: pattern of morbidity and mortality. J Obstet Gynaecol (Lahore). 2018;38(7):961–6.
Ganatra B, Gerdts C, Rossier C, Johnson Jr BR, Tunçalp Ö, Assifi A, et al. Global, regional, and subregional classification of abortions by safety, 2010–14: estimates from a Bayesian hierarchical model. Lancet. 2017;390(10110):2372–81.
Singh S, Darroch JE, Ashford LS, Vlassoff M. Adding It Up: The costs and Benefits of Investing in family Planning and maternal and new born health. Guttmacher Institute; 2009.
Apanga PA, Adam MA. Factors influencing the uptake of family planning services in the Talensi District, Ghana. Pan Afr Med J. 2015;20(1).
Berhe H, Tilahun W, Aregay A, Bruh G, Gebremedhim H. Utilisation and associated factors of postnatal care in Adwa Town, Tigray, Ethiopia—a cross sectional study. Adv Res Pharm Biol. 2013;3(1):353–9.
Abdul-Wahab I, Nungbaso AM, Nukpezah RN, Dzantor EK. Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Survey of Knowledge. Attitudes Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana;2021.
Ghana Health Service. “Ghana demographic health survey,” Key Indicators, Ghana Statistical Service Accra, Ghana. The DHS Program ICF International, Rockville, MD, USA; 2014.
Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana Health Service. Measure DHS: Ghana: demographic and health survey 2014; 2015.
Atuhaire S. Abortion among adolescents in Africa: A review of practices, consequences, and control strategies. Int J Health Plann Manage. 2019;34(4): e1378–86.
Leke RJ, Nana PN. Abortions in low resource countries. Basic Gynecol Relat issues Rijeka, Croat Intech Eur. 2012; 125–38.
Ziba FA, Yakong VN. Awareness and Utilization of Emergency Contraceptives: A Survey among Ghanaian Tertiary Students. Asian J Res Nurs Heal. 2019; 1–7.
Ziem, J. & Gyebi E. N/R Records 70 Maternal Deaths In First Half Of 2012; 2012. Available:http://savannahnewsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/08/nr-records-70-maternal-deaths-in-first.html
Mohammed S, Abdulai A-M, Iddrisu OA. Pre-service knowledge, perception, and use of emergency contraception among future healthcare providers in northern Ghana. Contracept Reprod Med. 2019;4(1):1–7.
Gumanga SK, Kolbila DZ, Gandua BBN, Munkaila A, Malechi H, Kyei-Aboagye K. Trends in Maternal Morlility in Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Ghana Med J. 2011;45(3).
Morris JL, Rushwan H. Adolescent sexual and reproductive health: The global challenges. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2015;131:S40–2.
Haeger KO, Lamme J, Cleland K. State of emergency contraception in the US, 2018. Contracept Reprod Med. 2018;3(1):1–12.
Aniteye P, O’Brien B, Mayhew SH. Stigmatized by association: challenges for abortion service providers in Ghana. BMC Health Serv Res. 2016;16(1):1–10.
Munakampe MN, Zulu JM, Michelo C. Contraception and abortion knowledge, attitudes and practices among adolescents from low and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2018;18(1):1–13. Raosoft. Sample Size Calculator by Raosoft, Inc.
Mishore KM, Woldemariam AD, Huluka SA. Emergency Contraceptives: Knowledge and Practice towards Its Use among Ethiopian Female College Graduating Students. Int J Reprod Med. 2019;2019.
Dagnachew A. Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive use among female students in Harar preparatory schools, Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia. Reprod Syst Sex Disord. 2017;4(215):2.
Fekadu Y. Knowledge attitude and utilization of emergency contraception among health science and medical students of Arba Minch University, 2015. 2017;
Leung VWY, Levine M, Soon JA. Mechanisms of action of hormonal emergency contraceptives. Pharmacother J Hum Pharmacol Drug Ther. 2010;30(2):158–68.
Abbas N, Saba T, Rehman A, Mehmood Z, Kolivand H, Uddin M, et al. Plasmodium life cycle stage classification based quantification of malaria parasitaemia in thin blood smears. Microsc Res Tech. 2019;82(3):283–95.
Tesfaye T, Tilahun T, Girma E. Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive among women who seek abortion care at Jimma University specialized hospital, southwest Ethiopia. BMC Womens Health. 2012;12(1):1–6.
Raymond EG, Cleland K. Emergency contraception. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(14):1342–8.
Kgosiemang B, Blitz J. Emergency contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and practices among female students at the University of Botswana: A descriptive survey. African J Prim Heal Care Fam Med. 2018;10(1):1–6.
Nwankwo B, Mohammed MH, Usman NO, Olorukooba AA. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Emergency Contraception among Students of a Tertiary Institution in Northwestern Nigeria. J Med Basic Sci Res. 2021;2(1):13–28.
Abate M, Assefa N, Alemayehu T. Knowledge, attitude, practice, and determinants emergency contraceptive use among women seeking abortion services in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e110008.
Worku A. Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptives among female college students in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia. Ethiop J Heal Dev. 2011;25(3):176–83.
Amina M-D, Regmi K. A quantitative survey on the knowledge, attitudes and practices on emergency contraceptive pills among adult female students of a tertiary institution in Kaduna, Nigeria. Prim Heal Care Open Access. 2014;4(1): 1–8.
Tajure N. Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraception among graduating female students of Jimma University, Southwest Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2010;20(2).
Both R, Samuel F. Keeping silent about emergency contraceptives in Addis Ababa: a qualitative study among young people, service providers, and key stakeholders. BMC Womens Health. 2014;14(1):1–11.
Adongo PB, Tabong PT-N, Azongo TB, Phillips JF, Sheff MC, Stone AE, et al. A comparative qualitative study of misconceptions associated with contraceptive use in southern and northern Ghana. Front public Heal. 2014;2:137.
Kabagenyi A, Reid A, Ntozi J, Atuyambe L. Socio-cultural inhibitors to use of modern contraceptive techniques in rural Uganda: a qualitative study. Pan Afr Med J. 2016;25.
Muanda MF, Ndongo GP, Messina LJ, Bertrand JT. Barriers to modern contraceptive use in rural areas in DRC. Cult Health Sex. 2017;19(9):1011–23.
Pownall JD, Jahoda A, Hastings RP. Sexuality and sex education of adolescents with intellectual disability: Mothers’ attitudes, experiences, and support needs. Intellect Dev Disabil. 2012;50(2):140–54.
Lindberg LD, Maddow-Zimet I, Boonstra H. Changes in adolescents’ receipt of sex education, 2006–2013. J Adolesc Heal. 2016;58(6):621–7.
Harrell-Bond B. 10. Attitudes towards sex, family limitation and the use of contraceptives. In: Modern Marriage in Sierra Leone. De Gruyter Mouton. 2019:250–78.
Mumah J, Kabiru CW, Izugbara CO, Mukiira C. Coping with unintended pregnancies: Narratives from adolescents in Nairobi’s slums; 2014.
Joham AE, Boyle JA, Ranasinha S, Zoungas S, Teede HJ. Contraception use and pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Hum Reprod. 2014;29(4):802–8.
Kara WSK, Benedicto M, Mao J. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of contraception methods among female undergraduates in Dodoma, Tanzania. Cureus. 2019;11(4).
Darteh EKM, Doku DT. Knowledge and usage of emergency contraceptives among university students in Ghana. J Community Health. 2016;41(1): 15–21.
Gainer E, Kenfack B, Mboudou E, Doh AS, Bouyer J. Menstrual bleeding patterns following levonorgestrel emergency contraception. Contraception. 2006;74(2): 118–24.
Creinin MD, Schlaff W, Archer DF, Wan L, Frezieres R, Thomas M, et al. Progesterone receptor modulator for emergency contraception: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2006;108(5):1089.
Issah F. Knowledge, attitudes and practice of emergency contraception use among female students of the University for Development Studies (Uds), Tamale Campus; 2021.
Kongnyuy EJ, Ngassa P, Fomulu N, Wiysonge CS, Kouam L, Doh AS. A survey of knowledge, attitudes and practice of emergency contraception among university students in Cameroon. BMC Emerg Med. 2007;7(1):1–7.
Demissie TW, Nigatu AM, Beyene GM. Assessment of emergency contraceptives utilization and associated factors among female college students at Debre Tabor town. Contracept Reprod Med. 2020;5(1):1–9.
Hammoud R, Saleh S, Halawani D, Mezher H, Abou El Naga A, Azakir B. Knowledge and attitudes of Lebanese women of childbearing age towards emergency contraception. Eur J Contracept Reprod Heal Care. 2020;25(1):28–32.
Neinstein LS. Adolescent health care: a practical guide. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008;414.
Mutaru A-M, Asumah M, Ibrahim M, Sumaila I, Hallidu M, Mbemah J, et al. Knowledge on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and sexual practices among Nursing Trainees in Yendi Municipality, Northern Region of Ghana. Eur J Heal Sci. 2021;6(4):33–47.
Starrs AM, Ezeh AC, Barker G, Basu A, Bertrand JT, Blum R, et al. Accelerate progress—sexual and reproductive health and rights for all: report of the Guttmacher–Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2018; 391(10140):2642–92. UNFPA. UNFPA Annual Report | 2016. 2016; Available: https://www.unfpa.org/annual-report-2016
Abraha D, Welu G, Berwo M, Gebretsadik M, Tsegay T, Gebreheat G, et al. Knowledge of and Utilization of Emergency Contraceptive and Its Associated Factors among Women Seeking Induced Abortion in Public Hospitals, Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia, 2017: A Cross-Sectional Study. Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019.
Ajayi AI, Nwokocha EE, Akpan W, Adeniyi OV. Use of non-emergency contraceptive pills and concoctions as emergency contraception among Nigerian University students: results of a qualitative study. BMC Public Health. 2016;16(1):1–8.
Akinlusi FM, Rabiu KA, Adewunmi AA, Imosemi OD, Ottun TA, Badmus SA. Complicated unsafe abortion in a Nigerian teaching hospital: pattern of morbidity and mortality. J Obstet Gynaecol (Lahore). 2018;38(7):961–6.
Ganatra B, Gerdts C, Rossier C, Johnson Jr BR, Tunçalp Ö, Assifi A, et al. Global, regional, and subregional classification of abortions by safety, 2010–14: estimates from a Bayesian hierarchical model. Lancet. 2017;390(10110):2372–81.
Singh S, Darroch JE, Ashford LS, Vlassoff M. Adding It Up: The costs and Benefits of Investing in family Planning and maternal and new born health. Guttmacher Institute; 2009.
Apanga PA, Adam MA. Factors influencing the uptake of family planning services in the Talensi District, Ghana. Pan Afr Med J. 2015;20(1).
Berhe H, Tilahun W, Aregay A, Bruh G, Gebremedhim H. Utilisation and associated factors of postnatal care in Adwa Town, Tigray, Ethiopia—a cross sectional study. Adv Res Pharm Biol. 2013;3(1):353–9.
Abdul-Wahab I, Nungbaso AM, Nukpezah RN, Dzantor EK. Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Survey of Knowledge. Attitudes Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana;2021.
Ghana Health Service. “Ghana demographic health survey,” Key Indicators, Ghana Statistical Service Accra, Ghana. The DHS Program ICF International, Rockville, MD, USA; 2014.
Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana Health Service. Measure DHS: Ghana: demographic and health survey 2014; 2015.
Atuhaire S. Abortion among adolescents in Africa: A review of practices, consequences, and control strategies. Int J Health Plann Manage. 2019;34(4): e1378–86.
Leke RJ, Nana PN. Abortions in low resource countries. Basic Gynecol Relat issues Rijeka, Croat Intech Eur. 2012; 125–38.
Ziba FA, Yakong VN. Awareness and Utilization of Emergency Contraceptives: A Survey among Ghanaian Tertiary Students. Asian J Res Nurs Heal. 2019; 1–7.
Ziem, J. & Gyebi E. N/R Records 70 Maternal Deaths In First Half Of 2012; 2012. Available:http://savannahnewsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/2012/08/nr-records-70-maternal-deaths-in-first.html
Mohammed S, Abdulai A-M, Iddrisu OA. Pre-service knowledge, perception, and use of emergency contraception among future healthcare providers in northern Ghana. Contracept Reprod Med. 2019;4(1):1–7.
Gumanga SK, Kolbila DZ, Gandua BBN, Munkaila A, Malechi H, Kyei-Aboagye K. Trends in Maternal Morlility in Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Ghana Med J. 2011;45(3).
Morris JL, Rushwan H. Adolescent sexual and reproductive health: The global challenges. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2015;131:S40–2.
Haeger KO, Lamme J, Cleland K. State of emergency contraception in the US, 2018. Contracept Reprod Med. 2018;3(1):1–12.
Aniteye P, O’Brien B, Mayhew SH. Stigmatized by association: challenges for abortion service providers in Ghana. BMC Health Serv Res. 2016;16(1):1–10.
Munakampe MN, Zulu JM, Michelo C. Contraception and abortion knowledge, attitudes and practices among adolescents from low and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2018;18(1):1–13. Raosoft. Sample Size Calculator by Raosoft, Inc.
Mishore KM, Woldemariam AD, Huluka SA. Emergency Contraceptives: Knowledge and Practice towards Its Use among Ethiopian Female College Graduating Students. Int J Reprod Med. 2019;2019.
Dagnachew A. Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive use among female students in Harar preparatory schools, Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia. Reprod Syst Sex Disord. 2017;4(215):2.
Fekadu Y. Knowledge attitude and utilization of emergency contraception among health science and medical students of Arba Minch University, 2015. 2017;
Leung VWY, Levine M, Soon JA. Mechanisms of action of hormonal emergency contraceptives. Pharmacother J Hum Pharmacol Drug Ther. 2010;30(2):158–68.
Abbas N, Saba T, Rehman A, Mehmood Z, Kolivand H, Uddin M, et al. Plasmodium life cycle stage classification based quantification of malaria parasitaemia in thin blood smears. Microsc Res Tech. 2019;82(3):283–95.
Tesfaye T, Tilahun T, Girma E. Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive among women who seek abortion care at Jimma University specialized hospital, southwest Ethiopia. BMC Womens Health. 2012;12(1):1–6.
Raymond EG, Cleland K. Emergency contraception. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(14):1342–8.
Kgosiemang B, Blitz J. Emergency contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and practices among female students at the University of Botswana: A descriptive survey. African J Prim Heal Care Fam Med. 2018;10(1):1–6.
Nwankwo B, Mohammed MH, Usman NO, Olorukooba AA. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Emergency Contraception among Students of a Tertiary Institution in Northwestern Nigeria. J Med Basic Sci Res. 2021;2(1):13–28.
Abate M, Assefa N, Alemayehu T. Knowledge, attitude, practice, and determinants emergency contraceptive use among women seeking abortion services in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e110008.
Worku A. Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptives among female college students in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia. Ethiop J Heal Dev. 2011;25(3):176–83.
Amina M-D, Regmi K. A quantitative survey on the knowledge, attitudes and practices on emergency contraceptive pills among adult female students of a tertiary institution in Kaduna, Nigeria. Prim Heal Care Open Access. 2014;4(1): 1–8.
Tajure N. Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraception among graduating female students of Jimma University, Southwest Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2010;20(2).
Both R, Samuel F. Keeping silent about emergency contraceptives in Addis Ababa: a qualitative study among young people, service providers, and key stakeholders. BMC Womens Health. 2014;14(1):1–11.
Adongo PB, Tabong PT-N, Azongo TB, Phillips JF, Sheff MC, Stone AE, et al. A comparative qualitative study of misconceptions associated with contraceptive use in southern and northern Ghana. Front public Heal. 2014;2:137.
Kabagenyi A, Reid A, Ntozi J, Atuyambe L. Socio-cultural inhibitors to use of modern contraceptive techniques in rural Uganda: a qualitative study. Pan Afr Med J. 2016;25.
Muanda MF, Ndongo GP, Messina LJ, Bertrand JT. Barriers to modern contraceptive use in rural areas in DRC. Cult Health Sex. 2017;19(9):1011–23.
Pownall JD, Jahoda A, Hastings RP. Sexuality and sex education of adolescents with intellectual disability: Mothers’ attitudes, experiences, and support needs. Intellect Dev Disabil. 2012;50(2):140–54.
Lindberg LD, Maddow-Zimet I, Boonstra H. Changes in adolescents’ receipt of sex education, 2006–2013. J Adolesc Heal. 2016;58(6):621–7.
Harrell-Bond B. 10. Attitudes towards sex, family limitation and the use of contraceptives. In: Modern Marriage in Sierra Leone. De Gruyter Mouton. 2019:250–78.
Mumah J, Kabiru CW, Izugbara CO, Mukiira C. Coping with unintended pregnancies: Narratives from adolescents in Nairobi’s slums; 2014.
Joham AE, Boyle JA, Ranasinha S, Zoungas S, Teede HJ. Contraception use and pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Hum Reprod. 2014;29(4):802–8.
Kara WSK, Benedicto M, Mao J. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of contraception methods among female undergraduates in Dodoma, Tanzania. Cureus. 2019;11(4).
Darteh EKM, Doku DT. Knowledge and usage of emergency contraceptives among university students in Ghana. J Community Health. 2016;41(1): 15–21.
Gainer E, Kenfack B, Mboudou E, Doh AS, Bouyer J. Menstrual bleeding patterns following levonorgestrel emergency contraception. Contraception. 2006;74(2): 118–24.
Creinin MD, Schlaff W, Archer DF, Wan L, Frezieres R, Thomas M, et al. Progesterone receptor modulator for emergency contraception: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2006;108(5):1089.
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