Knowledge, use and attitudes towards emergency contraception among female students of teacher's colleges in Mid-Western Uganda
No Thumbnail Available
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Description
Introduction: Unsafe abortions are a major public health problem in low income countries including Uganda. In Uganda where abortion is restricted, unsafe induced abortions contribute significantly to the high maternal mortality ratio of 435/100.000 live births. Young people are particularly vulnerable to unsafe induced abortions and its complications. It has been estimated that widespread use of emergency contraception may significantly reduce unplanned pregnancies and hence the number of abortion-related morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine the knowledge, use and attitudes towards emergency contraception among Female students in teacher’s colleges in mid- western Uganda Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in teachers colleges in mid western Uganda in March 2008. Three hundred eighty (380) students were systematically recruited into the study. Data was collected using a pre-tested, self administered questionnaire containing both open and closed ended questions. FGD guide was also used to conduct and collect data from focus groups. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21 years. About 48.4% had ever heard about emergency contraception. The correct methods of EC mentioned were pills-Yuzpe regimen (60.6%) and emergency pills (17.6%), the rest (21.8%) mentioned methods of no proven efficacy. Most of the students did not know the time interval within which EC can work. The most common source of information about EC were friends (43.0%), health workers (28.8%) and the media (17.4%). Two hundred fourty nine (65.5%) of the participants, were sexually active. Thirty seven (14.8%) of the sexually active participants had ever used emergency contraception. Although the students generally had positive attitudes regarding emergency contraception, they also expressed reservations that EC could have side effects, be misused, lead to sexual immorality and have an effect on future fertility. Conclusions: Knowledge about and use of emergency contraception is low among female students in teachers colleges in mid western Uganda. The students in the teachers colleges in mid western Uganda generally have positive attitudes regarding EC. Recommendation: Female students in teachers colleges in mid western Uganda need to have accurate knowledge which can be passed on to the pupils. Empowering them may reduce unintended pregnancies and hence unsafe abortions and the maternal mortality and morbidity associated with it.
Keywords
Contraceptive use, Female-Student teachers, Abortion, Uganda, Unplanned pregnancy