TITLE:
Sexuality and Emergency Contraceptive Practice among Female Undergraduates in Lagos, Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Yusuf Abisowo Oshodi, Fatimat Motunrayo Akinlusi, Akaninyene Akan Uduosoro, Joy Onyinyechi Agbara, Kabiru Afolarin Rabiu, Oluwarotimi Ireti Akinola
KEYWORDS:
Sexuality, Unprotected Intercourse, Unintended Pregnancy, Emergency Contraceptives Practice
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.10 No.6,
June
30,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background: Young people, especially those in tertiary institutions are vulnerable to
unplanned and unprotected sexual intercourse which predisposes them to
unintended pregnancies and subsequently unsafe abortions. One of the key
interventions for reduction of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions is
effective use of emergency contraceptives. Objectives: To assess the sexuality, perception, attitude towards and determinants of
usage of emergency contraception among female undergraduates in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2016 among 805 female students
of the Lagos State University. Data were collected through structured
self-administered questionnaire by obtaining information on demography, sexual and contraceptive history, perception, attitude towards and
use of emergency contraceptives. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version
16. Chi-square and logistic regression models were applied to variables to test
for significance that predicts the
use of emergency contraceptives. Results: Of the 725 (90%) completed questionnaires, 334 (46%)
of the respondents were sexually active with 115 (34%)
having previous history of pregnancy. Eighty-two percent of those pregnancies
were unintended. Eighty-eight percent of those with unintended pregnancy had
them terminated by induced abortions, 54% of which was carried out by untrained
persons. Only 29% of those who had unprotected sexual intercourse used
emergency contraceptives. Lack of knowledge and promotion of sexual promiscuity
were identified as the main reasons for not using emergency contraceptives.
Previous use of contraceptives, married status, increasing age and year of
study were positive predictors for the use of emergency contraceptives while
poor knowledge was a significant predictor of non-use. Conclusion: There
was poor knowledge and low utilization of emergency contraceptives among
respondents. Information on contraceptives should be introduced in secondary
schools and in general studies courses in tertiary institutions while parents
and caregivers should discuss issues relating to sex and contraceptives with
adolescents.