Knowledge and perception of emergency contraception among female Nigerian undergraduates.
BACKGROUND
The reproductive health hazards of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions are well documented. The potential of emergency contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy in developed countries has been described, but in Nigeria, the awareness about the method is poor and no study has looked at efficacy.


METHODS
Between September and October 2001, a randomly selected sample of female undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Nigeria, were surveyed about their demographic information, sexual history and contraceptive use, and their awareness and knowledge of emergency contraception.


RESULTS
Of the 880 respondents, 43% were sexually active, 39% had ever practiced contraception and 34% had ever had an induced abortion. Overall, 58% of respondents reported knowing about emergency contraception; sexually active respondents were significantly more likely than those who were not and those who had ever practiced contraception were more likely than those who had not to be aware of emergency contraceptives. However, only 18% of respondents who reported knowing about emergency contraception knew the correct time frame in which emergency contraceptives must be used to be effective.


CONCLUSIONS
There is an urgent need to educate Nigerian young people about emergency contraception, emphasizing available methods and correct timing of use.
Aziken
Michael E
ME
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. michaelaziken@hotmail.com
Okonta
Patrick I
PI
Ande
Adedapo B A
AB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital