Knowledge, attitude, and practice on emergency contraceptives among female university students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Unwanted pregnancy followed by unsafe abortion can be avoided by using different contraceptive methods, including emergency contraceptives. Information on knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptives among women is particularly important because of high rates of teenage and unwanted pregnancies as well as soaring STI and HIV/AIDS rates. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptives among young females. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 774 female students at Addis Ababa University and Unity University College from January to September 2005. Results: About 43.5% (95% CI 40.0 - 47.0%) of the students said that they have heard about emergency contraceptives. When asked about specific types of emergency contraceptives, among those who have ever heard of emergency contraceptives, 279 (82.8%) mentioned pills and 115 (34.1%) mentioned intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). About 53% (95% CI 49.1-56.1%) of the students had positive attitude towards emergency contraceptives and only 4.9% (95% CI 3.4-6.4%) respondents reported that they had used emergency contraceptive methods previously. Conclusion: The study has shown that there is low level of knowledge and practice of emergency contraceptives among female university students.The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Vol. 21 (2) 2007: pp. 111-11