Factors Influencing Utilization of Emergency Contraception Amongst University Female Students:

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating factors influencing the utilization of emergency contraception (EC) among female University students at International Health Sciences University (IHSU). IHSU is one of the private Universities in Uganda offering health related courses, providing professionally trained workers for the health sector in various specializations and continuing medical professionals already working in the field, with specific aim of making a difference in health care in Uganda. The University is located on the 3rd floor of IHK building along St. Barnabas road, Kisugu-Namuwongo. This study sought to investigate different aspects of EC utilization with specific objectives of: determining the level of EC utilization among female University students; investigating individual factors influencing the utilization of EC; identifying socio-demographic; and determining health facility factors that influence EC utilization. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive design to measure current variable indicators related to EC utilization. Data collection involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and chi-square was used to determine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The findings of the study indicated that there was a low EC utilization of 46.32% ≈46% among female University students and factors like; religion, cost of EC, knowledge, attitude about EC and belief or culture were found to have a statistically significant relationship with EC utilization. Meanwhile, year of study, marital status, employment status, health education and availability of EC and accessibility were found not to have any statistically significant relationship with EC utilization. Furthermore, the study established that religious beliefs or culture was highly statistically significant in influencing EC utilization implying that female University students who are strongly attached to their religious and cultural beliefs were more likely to have a greater number of unplanned pregnancies, abortion and even death unless they abstain from sexual activities.

The researcher recommended a greater improvement on the way emergency contraception information is disseminated as well as the need for health unit at the University, more health centers and human resource to be put in place to help in better access and availability of EC to female University students.