Women’s Health
Emergency Contraceptive Pills Usage and Its Associated Factors Among Female Tertiary Students in Ghana Michael Fosu Ofori* Michael Ofori Ofori Ofori Ofori Department of Statistical Sciences, Kumasi Technical University, Ghana
The fear of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections cause many to use emergency contraception pills (ECPs) also called morning-after pills. ECPs have become part of our community. The problem is that females who use ECPs are not aware of their side effects, how they work, their availability, and the general education about these pills. This study sought to assess the prevalence and factors associated with emergency contraceptive pill usage. The design for this study was a cross-sectional study targeting female students at Kumasi Technical University. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from 517 respondents. The result revealed that the prevalence rate of emergency contraceptive pills use among female students is 62% with about 98% awareness level. There is a statistically significant association between ECPs usage and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) contraction in the past, marital status, age at first sex, ever been pregnant, the number of lifetime sex partners, religion, and awareness levels. The logistic regression found marital status, ever-pregnant, lifetime sex partners, awareness of ECPs, and ever-contracted STI as factors that significantly affect ECPs usage among female tertiary students. There should be continuous education among female students regarding the use, function, and effects of ECPs.
Keywords: emergency contraceptive pills, prevalence, knowledge, sexually transmitted infections