PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OF GULU UNIVERSITY.
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Date
2025-11-17
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Gulu University
Abstract
Emergency Contraceptive (EC) use after unprotected and unplanned sexual intercourse is critical, especially in active sexually reproductive populations like university students. This prevents unwanted pregnancies and associated abortions hence improved maternal health outcomes. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with emergency contraceptive use among female students of Gulu University. Methodology. This was a cross-sectional study involving female students, aged 18-49 years, at Gulu University from November 2023 to February 2024. Stratified random sampling was used to select 415 participants from different faculties and years of study. Self-administered questionnaires collected data on socio-demographic, health system &reproductive factors and individual factors on EC use. The collected data were processed and analysed using computer based statistical software Programs, STATA 18. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Numerical data were summarized using mean and standard deviation, depending on the normality of the data. The results were presented in tables, graphs.
Bivariate analysis was performed to determine each of explanatory variables with outcome variable (utilization) and variables with p<0.2 during bivariate analysis were entered to multivariable analysis. Poisson regression tests was used to identify the association between the use of emergency contraception and the predictor variables because the prevalence of the outcome was greater than 10%. P-value less than 0.05 at 95% CI was taken as statistically significant.
Results A total of 415 participants with mean age + SD (24.54 ±4.80) and mostly third years (36.1%) were interviewed. There was a low utilization of EC, 41.9% (n=174). The key determinats of EC use were being in third year of study and previous use of regular contraceptives (aPR = 0.81, p = 0.009, 95% CI = 0.69-0.94) and (aPR = 1.23, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.11-1.37) respectively. Participants had good knowledge and positive attitudes towards EC with sexual partners 30.9% and female friends, 22.2% being the main sources of information on EC. Conclusion. Overall, this study found a low level of Emergency Contraceptive use. Year of study and previous use of regular contraceptives were strongly associated with EC use. Targeted interventions, tailored to students year of study are needed to improve awareness and uptake of emergency contraception.
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Keywords
Prevalence, Emergency contraception, Gulu University, female student
Citation
Mukembo Robert (2025) Prevalence and Factors associated with Emergency Contraceptive Use Among Female Students of Gulu University.