Abstract:
Introduction
“Emergency contraception (EC), or post-coital contraception is the method of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy in the first 5 days after sexual intercourse”. Unprotected sexual intercourse leads to unwanted pregnancies, resulting in abortions, abortion-related complications, and other health problems. The study considered the perception and use of EC among the female youth of Chorkor to help inform contraceptive policy and use.
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out employing quantitative method. A structured questionnaire was used to conduct an interview. The sample was selected using stratified systematic random sampling technique. The data collected was analyzed using Stata version 14 and SPSS. Three hundred and fifty female youth of chorkor Lantemamli, Alaji and Chemuanaa were interviewed.
More than 80% of the study participants had ever heard EC. Among the sources of information on EC, the media represented the highest (24.82%) followed by source from friend/mates. About 50% of the participants perceived that EC are against their religious doctrines, however, 39% of them will use it even if it against their religious beliefs. Also more than 60% of the study participants perceived high side effects of EC thus fear to use it. Among the participants who know where to access EC, 31.6% of them got EC drugs over the counter at the pharmacy (highest source).
Though most of the participants have ever heard of ECs, majority of them are not using it appropriately due to lack of detailed information on EC to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It is thus, recommended that intervention to improve continual education of the youth through the formation of centers which are youth-friendly for reproductive health services is highly suggested.
