Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Emergency Contraceptive Methods Among Female Students in Seto Semero High School, Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Despite the availability of highly effective methods of contraception, many pregnancies are unplanned and unwanted. These pregnancies carry a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, often due to unsafe abortion. Many of these unplanned pregnancies can be avoided using emergency contraception. Literature reveals that there is existence of knowledge, attitude and practice gaps on emergency contraception in the world including Ethiopia. Thus this study aimed to fill these gaps. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards emergency contraceptive methods among female students in Seto-Semero high school Jimma town, south west Ethiopia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 284 female students in Seto-Semera high school Jimma town, south-western, Ethiopia from April 08-11/2014. Study populations were selected from different educational levels (9th&10th) using stratified random sampling technique .Data were edited, tallied and analyzed manually by using scientific calculator and presented in texts, tables ,charts and graphs. Results: In this study, 284 female students were participated. Out of this majority of them 238(83.8%) were between the age of 14-17 years. One hundred thirty of them were Oromo Ethnic group. And two hundred seventy two of those unmarried. Only 115(40.5%) had heard about EC, 31(27.0%) of the respondents mentioned the correct recommended timing for oral pills of emergency contraception use. With regarding to attitudes 83(73.0%) of the respondents had positive attitude from the total heard of emergency contraception methods. Conclusion and Recommendations: knowledge of Emergency contraceptives is low, The major source of information were mass media TV/radio. The majority of students those heard of Emergency contraceptives were not know the correct time limit to Emergency Pills and Intrauterine Contraceptive Device .The absence of correct information about EC could be barrier from being utilization by individual who need Emergency contraceptives (ECs). The utilization of EC was very low this leads to higher chance of unintended. The study recommends that academic institution and should be work on the promotion and enhancement of health education about EC among students of high school.