Abstract:
Emergency contraception refers to methods that women can use to prevent
pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse, method failure or incorrect use. Unwanted pregnancy
followed by unsafe abortion can be avoided by using different contraceptive methods including
emergency contraceptives. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice
of emergency contraception among graduating female students of Jimma University main campus.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma University main campus in 2009. The
calculated sample size was allocated to each faculty proportions to size of female students. Then within
the faculty the sample unit was selected by using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected
using self administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS for widow version 16.0.
RESULTS: A total of 389 (96.5%) volunteered graduating female students participated in the study. One
hundred sixty three (41.9%) were ever heard of Emergency Contraceptive, only 11(6.8%) used the
method. The common sources of information were friends 60 (36.5%), radio 37 (22.8%) and television
20 (12.3%). One hundred sixteen (71.2%) agreed to use Emergency Contraceptive when they practice
unintended sexual intercourse.
CONCLUSION: Awareness and use of emergency contraception among graduating female students of
Jimma University was low. There is a need to educate adolescents about emergency contraceptives, with
emphasis on available methods and correct timing of use.
