Assessing appropriate use and outcomes of emergency contraceptive pills among undergraduate female students of Makerere University: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Approximately 68% of females aged 15-25 employ emergency contraceptive pills to mitigate unwanted pregnancy. When taken appropriately emergency contraceptive pills have a 99% chance of preventing unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. Whereas studies have investigated the prevalence of uptake of ECPs among students, the level of appropriate use, associated factors and outcomes of ECPs among this population have not attracted much attention. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence appropriate use, associated factors, and outcomes of emergency contraceptive pills among undergraduate female students at Makerere university. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of appropriate use, associated factors and outcomes of emergency contraceptive pills among undergraduate female students in Makerere University. A cross sectional study was conducted among undergraduate female students in Makerere university. This was carried out at the different selected colleges CHS, COBAMS, CHUSS and COVAB in Makerere University main campus. A self-administered questionnaire was issued to the students. Data was analysed using SPSS (Stastical Package for Social Science) Out of 385 female students sampled, 57.9% used the ECPs appropriately, 59.5% had experienced side effects from using ECPs and 57% revealed an event of failed efficacy of the ECPs to prevent pregnancy. The most experienced side effect was changes in sexual experience, revealed by 42.3% of the students. There was significant association between religion, year of study, knowledge, source of information, affordability and type of ECPs with appropriate use of ECPs. The prevalence of appropriate use of ECPs among female university students is suboptimal, and outcomes of failed efficacy and adverse effects were highly prevalent. University female students need to be sensitized to enhance appropriate use of ECPs.