Perception and practice of emergency contraception among female Undergraduates of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective To assess perception and level of proper utilization of emergency contraception (EC) among female undergraduates. Methods Cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed on 383 female undergraduates in Nigeria in June 2006. Data analysis was with χ-square test and logistic regressions (P<0.05). Results One hundred and five (48.2%) had been sexually exposed. Only 32 (30.5%) used regular contraception. Seventy-three (24.3%) female undergraduates were aware of EC. Only 29 (7.6%) had used EC before. Most would not use emergency contraceptive drugs in future due to lack of awareness (64.8%), and fear for future fertility and of drugs being injurious to health. Use of EC was associated with awareness of correct interval for use (OR=9.1; 95%CI: 2.1-39.9). Conclusion There is poor knowledge about EC and poor use, while significant need remains. Most knowledge was acquired from peers and inaccurate. Peer educators are important and professionals’ knowledge needs improvement.