Sexuality and Emergency Contraceptive Practice among Female Undergraduates in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Young people, especially those in tertiary institutions are vulnerable to unplanned and unprotected sexual intercourse which predisposes them to unintended pregnancies and subsequently unsafe abortions. One of the key interventions for reduction of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions is effective use of emergency contraceptives. Objectives: To assess the sexuality, perception, attitude towards and determinants of usage of emergency contraception among female undergraduates in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2016 among 805 female students of the Lagos State University. Data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaire by obtaining information on demography, sexual and contraceptive history, perception, attitude towards and use of emergency contraceptives. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Chi-square and logistic regression models were applied to variables to test for significance that predicts the use of emergency contraceptives. Results: Of the 725 (90%) completed questionnaires, 334 (46%) of the respondents were sexually active with 115 (34%) having previous history of pregnancy. Eighty-two percent of those pregnancies were unintended. Eighty-eight percent of those with unintended pregnancy had them terminated by induced abortions, 54% of which was carried out by untrained persons. Only 29% of those who had unprotected sexual intercourse used emergency contraceptives. Lack of knowledge and promotion of sexual promiscuity were identified as the main reasons for not using emergency contraceptives. Previous use of contraceptives, married status, increasing age and year of study were positive predictors for the use of emergency contraceptives while poor knowledge was a significant predictor of non-use. Conclusion: There was poor knowledge and low utilization of emergency contraceptives among respondents. Information on contraceptives should be introduced in secondary schools and in general studies courses in tertiary institutions while parents and caregivers should discuss issues relating to sex and contraceptives with adolescents.