This article was originally published as: KNOWLEDGE AND FACTORS INFLUENCING THE USAGE OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN SOUTHERN SENATORIAL ZONE OF KADUNA STATE
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Abstract
Unplanned pregnancies among young female adults are increasingly becoming a social and economic problem for both society and the respective individual. Each year between 2.2 to 4 million female adolescents resort to unsafe abortion globally, and about 2million are exposed to the risk of reproductive health complications. As a result of the increasing involvement of female adolescents in risky sexual activities coupled with the attendant health challenges associated with the practice, this study examines the knowledge of emergency contraception among students of tertiary institution in Southern, Kaduna State and also identify the factors militating against its usage. Data for the study was obtained through the use of questionnaire survey. The required information was elicited from 270 female respondents selected from the three (3) tertiary institutions chosen for the study. Descriptive statistics such as the use of frequency distribution, percentages and chi-square were employed for data analysis. The study revealed that respondents have low knowledge of emergency contraception in spite their increasing involvement in unprotected sexual relationships. The study also showed that a higher proportion of the respondents demonstrated preference for modern contraceptives to traditional contraceptives. Factors such as fear of untimely death, religious teachings or injunctions, poor knowledge of emergency contraception, cultural disapproval among others were found to have influenced the utilization of emergency contraception. The results of the chi-square test revealed that there is a significant relationship between knowledge of emergency contraception and its usage. Arising from these findings the study recommends that a comprehensive reproductive health services should be provided in all health facilities. Also, besides creating public awareness on the benefits of emergency contraception, this study also advocates for the inclusion of topics on the subject in the general studies curriculum of tertiary institutions.
Authors
- AKPOKOS JAMES AMOS (Kaduna State University, Kaduna)
- JOY YAHAYA YODEL (Kaduna State University, Kaduna)
Keywords
knowledge, factors, Influencing, usage, Emergency, Contraception
References
References not available for this article.
