Emergency Contraceptive Use among Female Students at the Accra Technical University

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency contraception (EC) is unique among modern contraceptive methods in its capacity to prevent pregnancy after sex. The consequences of unintended pregnancies demand for efficient and effective use of Emergency Contraceptives as early childbearing impacts negatively on the educational prospects of female students. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and determine the use of emergency contraception among female students of Accra Technical University, Accra. Method: The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional survey using quantitative research method. Stratified purposive sampling method was used to stratify the female students population by year and course studied. Summary statistics were presented using tables. Chi Square test was used to determine the statistical association between emergency contraceptive use and independent variables of interest. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio of factors that influence knowledge, perception and the use of emergency contraceptives. Results: Findings showed a mean age of 23 years and ranged between 17 to 35. The study found that 78.80 % had low knowledge on emergency contraceptives and 26.03% had high knowledge on emergency contraceptive use. The proportion of female students who had ever used an emergency contraceptive was 57.50%. Support from friends, affordability and availability of Emergency contraceptives are factors influencing choice to use emergency contraception. Marital Status and place of stay were associated to the use of emergency contraceptives (AOR=2.55; 95% CI 0.9, 7.27, p= 0.017) and (AOR=0.52, 95% CI 0.28, 0.99, p= 0.046) respectively. Conclusion: This study would help provide information about knowledge and use of emergency contraceptives among female students at the Accra Technical University. This information could serve as a guide to all stakeholders for the provision of accurate and relevant health information and skills to students of Accra Technical University.