Availability, Awareness, Attitude and Knowledge of Emergency Contraceptives in Dar Es Salaam

Contraceptive methods are useful in family planning and prevention of unwanted pregnancies. Studies done in different countries however have reported poor knowledge and low use of these contraceptives especially the emergency contraceptive pills (ECP). In Tanzania, the awareness and knowledge of women about ECP is not well documented. The aim of this study was to assess awareness, knowledge and attitude of female university students on ECP and the availability of these pills in selected medicines outlets located in Dar Es Salaam city. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out using a self administered questionnaire to assess knowledge and attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills among female university students. The simulated client method was used to assess availability of the pills in pharmacies and part II shops in the city. A total of 350 female students participated in this study of whom, 57 % were aware of ECP and only 14 % had used them. About half (49%) of the participants had poor knowledge on ECP. The study revealed that 42.3 % of the pharmacies and 30 % of Part II shops surveyed stock only one brand of ECP which was not registered by the regulatory Authority. To conclude, low awareness and poor knowledge on ECP was observed among the study population. Only one brand of emergency contraceptive pills was available in both Pharmacies and Part II shops. Unfortunately this brand was not registered by the regulatory authority. Key words: attitude, awareness, emergency contraceptives, knowledge, unwanted pregnancy