Factors Associated with the Use of Emergency Contraceptive Pills among Students of the Takoradi Polytechnic in Ghana

Abstract

Emergency contraception, or post-coital contraception, denotes methods of contraception that can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancy in the first few days after unprotected sexual intercourse, which in turn helps in reducing the maternal mortality and morbidity. With the decreasing age of menarche and early onset of sexual activeness, young people are exposed early to inadvertent and unprotected sexual intercourse leading to undesirable pregnancy and invariably unsafe abortion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness, use and associated factors of emergency contraceptive pill among students of Takoradi Polytechnic, in the Western Region of Ghana. A cross-sectional study design among 375 matriculated female students of Takoradi polytechnic within the ages of 15 to 49 years was conducted. Anonymous self-administered questionnaires with semi open ended questions were used to gather the needed data, after requiring the contacted individuals to freely consent to their willingness to participate in the study. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding contraception, with emphasis on emergency contraception and current sexual practices. Data was analysed using Stata statistical software version 14. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to respectively describe the data and identify factors associated with the use of emergency contraception pills among respondents. Awareness of regular family planning methods were high, however usage was low; the pill and condoms being the popular choices. The electronic and print media were the most common sources of information on ECPs. Those who had basic awareness of EC however lacked detailed knowledge about the content, effectiveness and the timing schedule after unprotected sex. Of the 28.4% respondents who had used EC, 67.0% of them had used it more than ones. 62.5% were concomitantly using other family planning methods after EC use. Marital status and religion did not affect the use of EC. Previous use of any method of contraceptives and in-depth understandings of emergency contraceptive pill were factors associated with the use of ECPs. There is the necessity to educate young adults on emergency contraception with emphasis on content, effectiveness and correct timing of use, through various communication channels, including the media, women groups, various students’ associations and societies, counselling division in health facilities and the use of peer instructors.