Users Awareness and Practice on Emergency Contraception Among Youth in Adama and Bahir Dar Universities, Ethiopia
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Date
2008
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Unsafe abortion is a major public health problem in Ethiopia contributing to the high
maternal mortality rate. The youth constitute a high risk group for unsafe abortions. It
can be lessened by the use of ECP to prevent unintended pregnancy. Despite the
availability of the method, access to and use of this method remains low in the country.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practice of ECP
among university students in Adama and BahirDar, Ethiopia.
A sample of 400 female students of Adama and Bahir Dar Universities and 40 service
providers in the two towns were selected for the study. Data were collected by a selfadministered,
anonymous and pre-tested questionnaire, FDGs and KIIs.
The findings of the study indicate that of the total potential ECP users a slightly less than
50% were aware of the method and much lesser in Bahir Dar University. The majority of
the health service providers who participated in the KII and the FGD participants
reported that they had heard about the method. However, knowledge of the general
features of emergency contraceptive pills was very low and misinformation was high
among these groups. Awareness about EC was more strongly associated with prior sex
practice. Users and providers generally had positive attitudes regarding emergency
contraceptive pills; however, some believed that emergency contraceptive pills were
abortificient. Those with adequate knowledge generally showed favorable attitudes
towards emergency contraceptive pills. Few respondents (less than J 0%) had used
emergency contraceptive pills. Prescription pattern of providers was velY low. Media
and friends were important source of information on ECP for most of the respondents
familiar with the method.
The study recommends an urgent need to educate the youth about ECP including the
correct timing of use. Health service providers need training about ECP. It is also
recommended that training programs target the types of providers who are less
knowledgeable about the method.
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Keywords
Emergency Contraception