Awareness and attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills among female non-medical undergraduate students at Makerere University

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency Contraception (EC) refers to a group of birth control modalities that can prevent unplanned pregnancy, especially when used after unprotected intercourse within defined time limits. Approximately one-third of pregnancies in South and Southeast Asia are unintended because of decreasing in contraception use, contraceptive method failure, and an increase in the unmet need for contraceptives. This study aimed at investigating the awareness and attitudes toward emergency contraceptive pills among university students in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted a m o n g 375 female non-medical undergraduate students at Makerere University. The study was conducted from 8th September to 5th October 2022. A self-administered questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions was developed and pretested to make necessary adjustments. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using STATA version 14. The pretested questionnaires w e r e given to the students who consented to the study by the research assistants. The study followed ethical rules and considerations. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21 (SD) and 356/375 of the participants were single. Overall, 94.5% had awareness of ECP. Besides the most common sources of information about ECP were media 37.7%, friends 28.9% and Health profession 19.5%. Age of the participant AOR=1.55 95%CI (1.29 – 1.86), residing in the urban areas (AOR = 2.25, 95%CI:1.2 - 3.87), participants who found ECP easy to use (AOR = 3.4, 95%CI:1.95 - 5.92), students who were willing to recommend ECP to friends (AOR = 3.0, 95%CI:1.55 – 4.33), Participant who were supportive to a friend who was using ECP (AOR 0.44 95%CI: 0.24 – 0.79) and those who felt safe using ECP (AOR = 1.85, 95%CI:1.06 – 3.21), were associated with ECP utilization. The cost of ECP, lack of information about ECP, religious and cultural beliefs, and fear of side effects were the major barriers of use of ECP among female students in the University. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for wider education on reproductive health in general and especially of ECP and suggest that peer education approaches might be helpful in maintaining high ECP awareness. Health Workers need to be educated about methods, safety, time limits and side effects of ECP.