Sexuality and Emergency Contraceptive Practice among Female Undergraduates in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Young people, especially those in tertiary institutions are vulnerable to\r\nunplanned and unprotected sexual intercourse which predisposes them to\r\nunintended pregnancies and subsequently unsafe abortions. One of the key\r\ninterventions for reduction of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions is\r\neffective use of emergency contraceptives. Objectives: To assess the sexuality, perception, attitude towards and determinants of\r\nusage of emergency contraception among female undergraduates in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2016 among 805 female students\r\nof the Lagos State University. Data were collected through structured\r\nself-administered questionnaire by obtaining information on demography, sexual and contraceptive history, perception, attitude towards and\r\nuse of emergency contraceptives. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version\r\n16. Chi-square and logistic regression models were applied to variables to test\r\nfor significance that predicts the\r\nuse of emergency contraceptives. Results: Of the 725 (90%) completed questionnaires, 334 (46%)\r\nof the respondents were sexually active with 115 (34%)\r\nhaving previous history of pregnancy. Eighty-two percent of those pregnancies\r\nwere unintended. Eighty-eight percent of those with unintended pregnancy had\r\nthem terminated by induced abortions, 54% of which was carried out by untrained\r\npersons. Only 29% of those who had unprotected sexual intercourse used\r\nemergency contraceptives. Lack of knowledge and promotion of sexual promiscuity\r\nwere identified as the main reasons for not using emergency contraceptives.\r\nPrevious use of contraceptives, married status, increasing age and year of\r\nstudy were positive predictors for the use of emergency contraceptives while\r\npoor knowledge was a significant predictor of non-use. Conclusion: There\r\nwas poor knowledge and low utilization of emergency contraceptives among\r\nrespondents. Information on contraceptives should be introduced in secondary\r\nschools and in general studies courses in tertiary institutions while parents\r\nand caregivers should discuss issues relating to sex and contraceptives with\r\nadolescents.