Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Determinants Emergency Contraceptive Use among Women Seeking Abortion Services in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundUnplanned pregnancy from casual sex, unplanned sexual activity, and sexual violence are increasing. Emergency Contraceptives (EC) are used to prevent unplanned pregnancies thereby preventing the occurrence and consequences of unplanned pregnancy. Emergency contraception is widely available in Ethiopia particularly in major cities. Yet the use of EC is very low and abortion rate in cities is high compared to the national average.ObjectivesTo assess knowledge, attitude and practice and determinants on the use of emergency contraception among women obtaining abortion service at selected health institutions in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA facility based cross-sectional study was conducted on 390 women selected by multi-stage random sampling technique. The samples were generated from government and private for non profit health facilities. Participant’s knowledge and attitude towards emergency contraception were measured using composite index based on 7 and 9 questions, respectively and analyzed using mean score to classify them as knowledgeable or not, and have positive attitude or not. Practice was assessed if the women reported ever use of emergency contraception. Determinants of use of emergency contraception were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultOut of 390 women interviewed, 162 women (41.5%) heard about EC, only 133 (34.1%) had good knowledge, and 200 (51.3%) of the respondents had positive attitudes towards to EC. Ever use of EC was reported by 38 (9.7%) Age, living arrangement, education, marital status, religion were found to be significantly associated with the use of emergency contraceptives. Women with poor knowledge were less likely to use EC compared to the knowledgeable ones [AOR = 0.027, 95% CI (0.007, 0.105)].ConclusionThe study identified that most respondents lack adequate knowledge on the method of EC. In addition ever use of EC is very low.RecommendationsHealth professions should give attention in increasing knowledge and uptake of Emergency Contraception.

Determinants of Emergency Contraceptive Pill use among the Patients Presenting for Pregnancy Termination at Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Maharashtra

“…We have come across positive attitude of 53%-100% during literature review. 4,10,13 The finding of this study also falls in this range. However, this doesn't mean that we should not work on this issue.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes and Use of Emergency Contraceptives among Female Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

“…Also, in a study in Uganda about 42% of the students did not know the time interval within which ECPs can work and one third thought it would interrupt an ongoing pregnancy [10]. Women with poor knowledge might less likely use EC compared to the knowledgeable ones [16]. The confusion on how to take ECPs may be caused by students purchasing ECPs hurriedly and feeling too embarrassed to ask questions [17].…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Emergency Contraception among Female Students in Preparatory School of East Shoa, Adama, Ethiopia

“…At present, in the Unied States female minors (aged 17 and younger) can only obtain emergency contraception at clinic, or whith doctor's prescription [9]. This limits teen's access to emergency contraception because it can be difficult for minors to get to clinic or doctor, especially if they need parental permission, and some states allow pharmacies and hospitals the choice of whether or not to provide emergency contraception [10]. This indicates that there is still a problem related to the freedom for adolescents to get emergency contraception whenever they practiced unprotected sex and that was why the prevalence of unwanted pregnancy 50(17.85%) its consequence/unsafe abortion 34 (12.14%) is still high.…”