Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Knowledge and Practice of Emergency Contraceptives among Students at Ambo Techniques College, Ethiopia

Jimma Likisa Lenjisa, Dinkinesh Ulfina, Ebissa Tamme, Gemechu Kaba, Hadas Berehe, Netsanet Lemma and Minyahil Alebachew Woldu

Background: In Ethiopia, particularly, in the study area data on knowledge, attitude and practice of emergence contraceptives among youth in school and college level is lacking. This could be evidenced by the high rates of unwanted pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted infections in these age groups. Therefore, in this study, we are meant to fill such gap in the study area. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 305 female students at Ambo Technique College in Ethiopia from March to September 2013. Results: In this study, 80.7% of the respondent had ever heard about Emergence Contraceptives (EC). Yet majority of the respondent (84.6%) had not used the method despite the significant sexual practice they made. About 77.4% of the students have positive attitude towards EC. Conclusion: The respondents in this study had high level of knowledge and positive attitude about EC yet very low level of utilizing the method. Therefore, much work need to be done to identify the reasons behind this lower utilization rate and prompt addressing to increase its up take to the acceptable degree. Lastly, responsible stakeholders have to device structured reproductive health education at college level as one of the tool to achieve the country’s millennium development goal related to family planning.