Abstract
Contraceptive use is an important strategy for the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and avoidance of induced abortion. Of all the contraception methods, emergency contraceptive (EC) offers the last chance to achieve this. However, few studies have documented the use of EC among young people in Ghana. This study explored knowledge and usage of EC as well as the factors associated with it among University of Cape Coast students. Data were obtained on the knowledge and usage of ECs among University of Cape Coast students in 2013. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between students’ socio-demographic characteristics and EC knowledge and use. More male students (72 %) than females (59 %) were sexually active. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents had ever heard of EC and 36 % had ever used EC. Although males were more likely to be sexually active, females were more likely to have knowledge of EC use compared to males. The study underscores the need to increase awareness regarding EC among University students in order to offer them the opportunity that EC provides if other forms of contraceptives are missed.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Sedgh, G., Henshaw, S., Singh, S., Åhman, E., & Shah, I. H. (2007). Induced abortion: Estimated rates and trends worldwide. The Lancet, 370(9595), 1338–1345.
Sedgh, G., Singh, S., Shah, I. H., Ahman, E., Henshaw, S. K., & Bankole, A. (2012). Induced abortion: Incidence and trends worldwide from 1995 to 2008. Lancet, 379(9816), 625–632.
Cleland, J., Conde-Agudelo, A., Peterson, H., Ross, J., & Tsui, A. (2012). Contraception and health. Lancet, 380(9837), 149–156.
Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). (2012). Population and housing census of Ghana. Summary Report of Final Results. Accra, Ghana: Sakoa Press Limited.
Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Ghana Health Service (GHS), & ICF Macro. (2009). Ghana demographic and health survey 2008. Accra: GSS, GHS, and ICF Macro.
Akani, C. I., Enyindah, C. E., & Babatunde, S. (2008). Emergency contraception: Knowledge and perception of female undergraduates in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Ghana Medical Journal, 42(2), 68–70.
Byamugisha, J. K., Mirembe, F. M., Faxelid, E., & Gemzell-Danielsson, K. (2006). Emergency contraception and fertility awareness among university students in Kampala, Uganda. African Health Sciences, 6(4), 194–200.
Kongnyuy, E. J., Ngassa, P., Fomulu, N., Wiysonge, C. S., Kouam, L., & Doh, A. S. (2007). A survey of knowledge, attitudes and practice of emergency contraception among university students in Cameroon. BMC Emergency Medicine, 7(1), 7.
Tamire, W., & Enqueselassie, F. (2007). Knowledge, attitude, and practice on emergency contraceptives among female university students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, 21(2), 111–116.
Roberts, C., Moodley, J., & Esterhuizen, T. (2004). Emergency contraception: Knowledge and practices of tertiary students in Durban, South Africa. Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 24(4), 441–445.
Addo, V. N., & Tagoe-Darko, E. D. (2009). Knowledge, practices, and attitudes regarding emergency contraception among students at a university in Ghana. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 105(3), 206–209.
Baiden, F., Awini, E., & Clerk, C. (2002). Perception of university students in Ghana about emergency contraception. Contraception, 66(1), 23–26.
Wegene, T., & Fikre, E. (2007). Knowledge, attitude, and practice on emergency contraceptives among female university students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, 21(2), 111–116.
Sekirime, W. K., Tamale, J., Lule, J. C., & Wabwire-MAngen, F. (2001). Knowledge, attitude and practice about sexually transmitted diseases among university students in Kampala. African Health Sciences, 1(1), 16–22.
Mmari, K., & Sabherwal, S. (2013). A review of risk and protective factors for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries: An update. Journal of Adolescent Health, 53, 562–572.
Meekers, D., & Calves, A. (1991). Gender differentials in adolescent sexual activity and reproductive health risks in Cameroon. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 3, 51–67.
Mané, B., Brady, M., Ramarao, S., & Thiam, A. (2014). Emergency contraception in Senegal: Challenges and opportunities. European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. doi:10.3109/13625187.2014.951995.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Darteh, E.K.M., Doku, D.T. Knowledge and Usage of Emergency Contraceptives Among University Students in Ghana. J Community Health 41, 15–21 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-015-0057-6
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-015-0057-6