Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Hepatitis B among Students at Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis in 2024

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of students at Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis regarding hepatitis B. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2024 within the university’s social campus among a sample of 800 students. Results: The sex ratio favored men at 1.5, and the average age was 23.3 years with a standard deviation of 2.7 years. Among students, 26.6% had never heard of the term “hepatitis B”, and 60% knew it was a liver disease. Young people and adolescents were identified as the most exposed population group by 52.3% of respondents. According to 53.7% of the sample, hepatitis B would be a curable disease. Furthermore, 95.0% of the surveyed individuals were not vaccinated against hepatitis B, and 36.3% were afraid of living with an infected person. While 63.0% had poor knowledge, 78.8% had negative attitudes, and poor practices were observed in 6.9% of participants. Conclusion: This study highlighted a lack of knowledge and concerning attitudes among students regarding hepatitis B. The results underscore the need to intensify information and awareness campaigns about this disease, as well as the importance of promoting vaccination and encouraging appropriate preventive practices among the student population.

Knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) remain a common cause of death, functional disability, emotional suffering and economic burden among hospitalized patients. Knowledge of HAIs is important in its prevention and control. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among medical students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in October 2019 among clinical medical students using a Multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using the IBM SPSS 20 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Ethical approval was granted by Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Ethics Committee, Jos, Plateau State. Results: A total of 219 students in the clinical arm of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences were selected. A higher proportion (97.7%) of respondents knew about Hospital Acquired Infections and 85.4% knew that Hospital Acquired infections occur in the hospital, and (86.3%) considered patients contagious with half (58.9%) considered patients as the most important source of HAIs, followed by care givers (13.2%), then doctors including medical students and interns (10.0%) and lastly nurses (8.7%). The majority of respondents (70.8%) considered Surgical Wound Infections to be the most commonly occurring HAI, followed by UTIs (69.9%), RTIs (61.2%), BSIs (37.0%) and others (0.9%). The clinical thermometer was the instrument that most commonly transmits HAIs (82.6%), then followed by stethoscope (62.1%), white coats (53.9%), and blood pressure cuff (51.1%). Most respondents knew the infectious substances, like blood (96.3%), nasal discharge (82.6%), saliva (85.3%), and faeces (79.4%) transmitted HAIs, 72.6% of the respondents said that they were aware of the recommended hand washing techniques by WHO. Conclusion: The majority of students 91.3% had good knowledge while 8.7% had poor knowledge of HAIs. Lower classes had more respondents with poor knowledge. This finding was statistically significant (p = 0.002, Chi-square 12.819). Students are encouraged to keep up the level of knowledge they have about HAIs. These students can help improve the knowledge of those whose knowledge level is low. Government and NGOs should support sponsorship for capacity-building events targeted at HAIs for healthcare workers and medical students.

Knowledge of Risk Factors for Hypertension among University Students in Northwestern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Obesity, excessive alcohol use, cigarette smoking, a lack of physical activity, stress, and an unhealthy diet are modifiable risk factors linked to hypertension. Non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension include older age and a family history of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to assess university students’ knowledge of hypertension risk factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at St. Augustine University of Tanzania. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Out of a total score of eight, a score of four or more was considered good knowledge, and a score of less than four was considered poor. All sociodemographic characteristics were included in logistic regression to calculate the adjusted odds ratio. Results: A total of 390 undergraduate students participated in this study. Most of the participants 266 (68.2%) identified stress as a risk factor for hypertension. The median (IQR) knowledge score was 2 (2 - 3). Overall, only 43 (11.0%) of the participants had good knowledge of risk factors for hypertension. However, none of the sociodemographic factors were associated with a good level of knowledge of risk factors for hypertension. Conclusion: Our findings highlight poor knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension among university students in northwestern Tanzania. Only stress and older age were known by more than half of the students as risk factors for hypertension. To reduce the burden of hypertension, it is crucial for prevention and control programs to target improving university students’ knowledge of risk factors for hypertension.

A Survey on the Current Situation of Prehospital First Aid about Knowledge, Belief and Behavior among University Students in Jingzhou

Objective: To understand the current situation of prehospital first aid knowledge, attitude and behavior of university students in Jingzhou City. Methods: A prehospital first aid knowledge questionnaire and the convenience sampling method were used to survey 307 university students in Jingzhou City. Results: The mean score of prehospital first aid knowledge of university students in Jingzhou City was 12.85 ± 2.643, the mean score of attitude was 50.73 ± 4.114, and the mean score of behavior was 39.05 ± 8.898;There was a statistically significant difference in the scores of prehospital first aid knowledge, attitude, and behavior of university students depending on whether or not they had received prehospital first aid training (P P Conclusion: Jingzhou University students have a positive attitude toward pre-hospital first aid, but the knowledge level and behavior are low, which suggests that the government, society and the school should create good conditions to promote the improvement of pre-hospital first aid knowledge and ability.

Knowledge towards Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation among Training Doctors and Medical Students at the Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakech

The aim of our study is to evaluate the knowledge regarding physical medicine and rehabilitation among physicians in training and medical students at the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech, to approach the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of doctors regarding physical medicine and rehabilitation and evaluate the knowledge in theoretical training related to PRM among the students. We conducted a monocentric cross-sectional analytical study, using a web-based anonymous survey, carried out among 558 undergraduate student and training doctors, randomly selected in the form of a survey on the knowledge towards Physical Medicine and rehabilitation. We received 558 survey duly completed by students of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Marrakech (62.4%) and training doctors (37.6%). The mean age of the participants was 24.53 ± 3.9 years, with extremes ranging from 17 to 39 years. 52.7% of the participants were from the former educational reform, The predominance of participation was remarkable among pediatricians 23%, The population who knew PRM was the majority (79.3%), 40.7% of the participants were unaware of the availability of a PRM department at Mohamed VI University Hospital, 0.5% of all training doctors and medical students questioned strongly agreed with the sufficiency of their training in disability management were belonging to the new reform, 84.1% of participants had never attended or referred a patient to the PRM department. 23.2% of training doctors affirmed the referral of patients to PRM for further management. Despite the essential role of PRM in the management of diseases, it remains little known by training doctors and medical students. This lack of knowledge of PRM reflects the lack of the undergraduate and postgraduate of the medical education in the field of rehabilitation.

Preparedness,knowledge,and perception of nursing students about climate change and its impact on human health in India

Higher education plays an important role in all aspects of sustainability.Infusing climate change and sustainability into the curriculum is important to prepare future health-care professionals for climate change and sustainability actions to build resilient health systems.In this study,we evaluated the preparedness,knowledge,and perception regarding climate change and its impact on human health among Indian nursing students.A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 644 undergraduate nursing students studying in three institutes in the southern,northern,and western parts of India.We used a structured online questionnaire with established validity and reliability to collect data.The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 software.The results showed that more than half of the students reported experiencing excessive increase(362;56.2%)and decrease(374;58.1%)in temperature in recent years.Though more than three quarters of the students(494;76.7%)accepted the general truth that climate change is mainly caused by human activities,only less than half of the students(309;48.0%)perceived the impact of climate change to be high.Three quarters of the students(483;75.0%)had a high level of knowledge regarding climate change.The students who had a high level of knowledge about climate change exerted a high perceived impact of climate change(χ^(2)=75.47;P<0.01).More than half of the students(50.9%)felt that they needed information about climate change to be included in the nursing curriculum,and only one sixth of the students(16.1%)were highly confident about engaging in climate change-related conversation with patients.Most of the students who participated in the study had basic knowledge about climate change and its impact on human health.However,there is an observed gap between knowledge and their preparedness and confidence to engage in climate change actions.Hence,we propose to strengthen the nursing curriculum by integrating various curricular and co-curricular activities related to climate change,so that future nurses are empowered to become climate change advocates.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Knust Pre-Clinical Dental Students towards Orthodontic Treatment

Background: Orthodontics is a dental specialty focusing on correcting dental irregularities and malocclusion. Knowledge and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment are crucial for promoting oral health and overall well-being. Education and awareness play a vital role in ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and improving quality of life. Aim: This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) pre-clinical dentistry students concerning orthodontic therapy. Methodology: This research is a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. The research used a non-random convenience sampling method to form the desired sample. For data collection, an interview-administered questionnaire was used over one month. The study set its sights on pre-clinical dental students in KNUST. A total of 150 questionnaires were printed to meet the sample size. Results: The results of the research showed that the knowledge level of KNUST pre-clinical students on orthodontic treatment and its nuances is quite limited. They however had a fair level of knowledge on the disease or ailment that orthodontic treatments solved (especially malocclusion). Their interest in orthodontic treatments on the other hand was quite significant, with a large number having interest in it. Conclusion: To conclude, KNUST pre-clinical students in Ghana although having a limited level of knowledge on orthodontic treatments have a keen interest in undergoing them regardless of the discomforts or the length of time.

Effect of peer education on knowledge,attitude,and practice of HPV infection prevention among college students

Objective:To explore the effect of peer education on improving the knowledge,attitude,practice level(KAP)to prevent human papilloma virus(HPV)infection among college students.Methods:The knowledge,attitude/belief,and practice level of 536 grade I college students from a university in Shanghai were surveyed and analyzed using a self-designed questionnaire—the HPV Infection and Prevention KAP Questionnaire.Results:Many college students heard about HPV vaccine(49.70%before peer education and 100%after peer education);however,few of them were vaccinated(2.82%before peer education and 5.23%after peer education).Knowledge,attitude/belied,and practice of HPV infection prevention were positively related(P<0.05).Peer education was effective in improving college students'KAP level of HPV infection prevention(P<0.05).Conclusions:Peer education could be used as a strategy in colleges to improve student's KAP level of HPV infection prevention.College students may also be encouraged to spread their influence to society.

Assessing healthcare workers’knowledge and confidence in the diagnosis,management and prevention of Monkeypox

BACKGROUND Monkeypox(Mpox),is a disease of global public health concern,as it does not affect only countries in western and central Africa.AIM To assess Burundi healthcare workers(HCWs)s’level of knowledge and confidence in the diagnosis and management of Mpox.METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study via an online survey designed mainly from the World Health Organization course distributed among Burundi HCWs from June-July 2023.The questionnaire comprises 8 socioprofessional-related questions,22 questions about Mpox disease knowledge,and 3 questions to assess confidence in Mpox diagnosis and management.The data were analyzed via SPSS software version 25.0.A P value<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS The study sample comprised 471 HCWs who were mainly medical doctors(63.9%)and nurses(30.1%).None of the 22 questions concerning Mpox knowledge had at least 50%correct responses.A very low number of HCWs(17.4%)knew that Mpox has a vaccine.The confidence level to diagnose(21.20%),treat(18.00%)or prevent(23.30%)Mpox was low among HCWs.The confidence level in the diagnosis of Mpox was associated with the HCWs’age(P value=0.009),sex(P value<0.001),work experience(P value=0.002),and residence(P value<0.001).The confidence level to treat Mpox was significantly associated with the HCWs’age(P value=0.050),sex(P value<0.001),education(P value=0.033)and occupation(P value=0.005).The confidence level to prevent Mpox was associated with the HCWs’education(P value<0.001),work experience(P value=0.002),residence(P value<0.001)and type of work institution(P value=0.003).CONCLUSION This study revealed that HCWs have the lowest level of knowledge regarding Mpox and a lack of confidence in the ability to diagnose,treat or prevent it.There is an urgent need to organize continuing medical education programs on Mpox epidemiology and preparedness for Burundi HCWs.We encourage future researchers to assess potential hesitancy toward Mpox vaccination and its associated factors.

Posttraumatic stress symptoms among Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic:Prevalence,correlates,and mental health help-seeking

BACKGROUND Revisiting the epidemiology of posttraumatic stress symptoms(PTSSs)among university students during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic as well as understanding the mental health help-seeking behavior of individuals with PTSSs has critical implications for public mental health strategies in future medical pandemics.AIM To investigate the prevalence and correlates of PTSSs among university students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and to examine mental health help-seeking behaviors among these students.METHODS A total of 2507 Chinese university students were recruited via snowball sampling.The students completed the Seven-item Screening Scale for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in China.Sociodemo-graphic characteristics,pandemic-related characteristics,and mental health help-seeking behaviors of students with PTSSs were also collected.RESULTS The prevalence of PTSSs among the participants was 28.0%.Seven significant correlates of PTSSs were identified(odds ratio=1.23-3.65,P≤0.024):Female sex,being 19 years old or older,living with others or alone,a low level of family economic status,fair or poor interpersonal relationships,severe or very severe local pandemic,and having family members diagnosed with COVID-19.However,only 3.28%of the students with PTSSs reported seeking help from mental health specialists.Among the 23 students who sought help from mental health specialists,13 opted for online or telephone-based psychological consultation.CONCLUSION Our data suggest that there was a high risk of PTSSs among university students and a high level of unmet mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.The delivery of mental health services online or via telephone is a promising approach to address these unmet needs.

The Significance of Background Knowledge on Students' English Listening Comprehension

The background knowledge has the stimulating function in English listening comprehension; it can reduce the psychological pressure before listening, strengthen the confidence and enhance the predictive ability. Therefore, the paper mainly discusses the importance and influences of linguistic background knowledge and non-linguistic background knowledge in listening comprehension. The author also gives some suggestions on teaching English listening according to the analysis of significances of background knowledge in the paper.

Relationship of Periodontal Status and Dental Caries Status with Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior among Professional Students in India

Aim To find the relationship of periodontal status and dental caries status with oral health knowledge, attitude, behavior, among professional students in India. Methodology In a cross sectional study, a total of 825 students （males： 577, females： 248） fi＇om six professions were surveyed using a self administered structured questionnaire including 41 multiple choice questions and the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form （1997）. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 13.0 to perform the Student＇s t-test, ANOVA test, Scheffe＇s test and Chi-square test, linear regression analysis. Results The mean percentage scores of the students for knowledge were 53.25 ±15.05; for attitude 74.97±20.48; and for behavior 59.09 ±18.77. The percentage of students with calculus score was found to be significantly high （43.8%）. The percentage of professional students with DMFT〉4 was 14.1% and the percentage of students with decayed teeth was 46.2%. The regression analysis showed that the oral health behavior of the students was dependent on the attitude （P〈0.001）, but showed no significant linear relation with the knowledge. Also, that the mean DMFT score was dependent on the oral health behavior （P〈0.05）, but showed no significant relationship with the knowledge and attitude of the students. The periodontal status was independent on the knowledge, but showed a significant relationship with attitude and behavior of the students. Conclusion A positive attitude and adherence to good oral hygiene behaviors is associated with better oral health.

Reproductive Health Knowledge Level of High School and University Students in Shanghai

Objective To understand the sexual and reproductive health knowledge level of high school and university students in Shanghai. Methods A total of 628 high school students and 709 college students were surveyed with anonymous self-administrated questionnaire in Shanghai. Results The median knowledge scores of students from colleges and high schools were 58 and 39, respectively. Those who had surfed the Internet, had browsed websites on reproductive health, or had communicated sex-related issues with fathers/classmates/friends had more reproductive health knowledge. In addition, the percentage of college students who had surfed the Internet, had browsed websites on reproductive health or had communicated sex-related issues with classmates/friends was higher than that of high school students. Conclusion The knowledge scores of respondents were rather low. Compared with the high school students, the college students had more reproductive health knowledge and sought the knowledge more actively.

Undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of aging, attitudes toward and perceptions of working with older adults in Kathmandu Nepal

Objectives: This study aims to examine Nepalese undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of aging,attitudes towards older adults and perceptions of working with older adults,and to assess differences in these outcomes by socio-demographic characteristics as well as type of nursing program.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 undergraduate nursing students in six nursing colleges located in the Kathmandu Valley,Knowledge of aging,attitudes toward older adults and perceptions of working with older adults were assessed using standardized tools,the Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz,Kogan's Attitudes towards Older People Scale,and Nolan's Intent to Work with Older People Questionnaire,respectively.Results: The mean knowledge scores on older adults and aging were relatively low;participants scored an average of 26.9 out of 50.Scores assessing attitudes towards and perceptions of working with older adults were more favorable.Compared to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN),students pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) had a significantly higher score on the knowledge,attitudes and perception of aging scales.Linear regression analyses showed that the students' knowledge of aging (β =0.55;95% CI =0.25-0.86) and perceptions of working with older adults (β =0.22;95% Cl =0.05 -0.38) had a significant positive association with their attitudes toward older adults.Conclusions: Undergraduate nursing students in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal displayed a relatively low level of knowledge,but a positive attitude towards older adults,and a positive perception of working with older adults.Observed differences in knowledge,attitude,and perception scores between students in BSN and BN programs needs further investigation;closing this gap may be important for bolstering undergraduate gerontological preparation in Nepal.

Influence of Nursing Students Handwashing Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes on Their Handwashing Compliance

Information regarding current status of handwashing knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and compliance with handwashing practice in nursing students in Jordan is limited. This study aims to explore handwashing knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and self-reported compliance and to examine significant variables predicting compliance with handwashing practice among nursing students. The study used a cross-sectional survey design. Results found a statistically significant relationship between nursing students’ handwashing compliance and their handwashing knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (r = 0.68, 0.65, 0.58, P β = 0.423, P = 0.000), followed by attitudes (β = 0.322, P = 0.000), and beliefs (β = 0.171, P = 0.027). Specific handwashing training courses integrated in nursing education curriculum are recommended. These courses need to consider nursing students’ handwashing attitudes and beliefs in conjunction with handwashing knowledge.

Sources of Sexual Knowledge among Vietnamese High School Students

This study determined the sources from which Vietnamese high school students currently acquire sexual knowledge as well as the sources from which they believe they should acquire it. Participants were eleventh-grade students at three public high schools in Hanoi, Vietnam. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey from September to October 2012, with 1672 students participating. Responses were received from all 1672 students, a response rate of 100%. Complete data were received from 1653 respondents (98.9%), including 896 males (54.2%) and 757 females (45.8%). The survey was a self-administrated questionnaire. Although many participants believed that they were knowledgeable about sex, only a small number of them actually possessed accurate sexual knowledge. Few participants in this study, targeted to a specific age (eleventh grade), had used the Internet as a major source for obtaining sexual knowledge, in contrast to results from previous studies which covered a wider age demographic. Future research should include comparative studies between eleventh and twelfth graders as well as between those of the same age who are and who are not enrolled in high school. Additionally, it might be beneficial to consider the relationship between adolescent age and Internet use to study the influence of the Internet on sexual knowledge. Our results suggest that parents and schoolteachers should shoulder more responsibility in providing sexual education, particularly by improving their own knowledge and ability to provide such education, because many participants indicated that sexual knowledge should be acquired from parents and schools.

The Correlation between Explicit Grammatical Knowledge,Implicit Grammatical Knowledge and Reading Comprehension Ability of Senior High School Students

The role of grammar in language teaching has always been the question that researchers debate.In recent years,grammar knowledge has been distinguished in the foreign language acquisition research,namely the implicit knowledge and the explicit knowledge(Dai Manchun 2005;Gu Qiyi 2005).As to the reaserch of implicit and explicit grammar knowledge as well as their measurement,it is easy to find that many scholars have studied the role of two different kinds of grammar knowledge in second language development.But the research on the role of implicit and explicit grammar knowledge in second language reading comprehension is too few,not to mention the research on the role of implicit and explicit grammar knowledge in English reading comprehension in the senior high school.The purpose of this study is to find the relationship between implicit and explicit grammatical knowledge and English reading comprehension ability of senior high school students.In addition,since the vocabulary is important to reading comprehension,this factor will also be considered in the study.

Nursing students'knowledge,willingness,and attitudes toward the first aid behavior as bystanders in traffic accident trauma:A cross-sectional survey

Objectives:The purpose of the study was to investigate the nursing students'levels of the knowledge,willingness,and attitudes toward first aid behavior as bystanders in road traffic accident and the related factors.Methods:A total of 475 nursing students were recruited by convenience choosing in Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.The nursing students'self-efficacy,core self-evaluation,knowledge,willingness and attitudes toward first aid behavior as bystanders in traffic accidents were investigated with a self-designed questionnaire.Results:The scores of knowledge,willingness,and attitudes toward first aid behavior in traffic accident trauma were 7.51±1.93,15.54±5.03,and 7.73±1.56,respectively.Students who once gained training of first aid showed lower levels of attitude toward first aid behavior than those untrained(t=-2.345,P=0.019).It was found that self-efficacy was correlated to the knowledge(r=0.150,P<0.001),willingness(r=0.182,P<0.004)and attitudes toward behavior of the first aid(r=0.371,P<0.001)among nursing students.Core self-evaluation was correlated to knowledge(r=0.193,P<0.001)and attitudes toward behavior of the first aid(r=0.199,P<0.001).Conclusions:The first aid knowledge among nursing students was not satisfactory.The study suggested that an unsustainable short first-aid training program may bring negative effects.Countermeasures should be taken to ensure both quality and continuity of first aid training.Meanwhile,more attention should be paid to improving the self-efficacy and core self-evaluation of the nursing students.

The knowledge level of final year undergraduate health science students and medical interns about cardiopulmonary resuscitation at a university teaching hospital of Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) is a life-saving technique which is used after cardiopulmonary arrest. Chance of survival after arrest will increase if it is coupled with sufficient knowledge. Final year undergraduate health science students and interns manage many trauma and critically ill patients in our hospital. Even though all students took CPR training in undergraduate course, we sometimes saw difficulties in the resuscitation of patients after cardiopulmonary arrest by undergraduate health professionals. This study was to assess the level of knowledge of undergraduate health science students and medical interns about cardiopulmonary resuscitation.METHODS: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to March 30, 2013. All undergraduate health professionals were included. The mean score of knowledge was compared for sex, original residence and department of the participants by using Student's t test and ANOVA with Scheffe's test. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS: Four hundred sixty-one out of 506 students were included in this study with a response rate of 91.1%. The overall mean knowledge score of final year undergraduate health science students and interns was 11.1(SD=0.2). The mean knowledge scores of nurses, interns, health officer, midwifery, anesthesia and psychiatry nursing students were 9.84(SD=2.5), 13.34(SD=2.8), 9.81(SD=3.0), 8.77(SD=2.6), 13.31(SD=2.7) and 8.43(SD=2.4) respectively.CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge level of undergraduate health professionals about cardiopulmonary resuscitation was insufficient. Training about CPR for undergraduate health professionals should be emphasized.

Assessment of level of knowledge and utilization of emergency contraception among female students of Hawassa University, south Ethiopia

Introduction: Emergency contraception is used as an emergency procedure to prevent unintended pregnancy secondary to an unprotected se xual intercourse and method failure. Hence, this study assessed the level of knowledge and utilization of emergency contraception among undergraduate regular female students of Hawassa University, south Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among female students of Hawassa University in December 2012. Seven hundred seventy six of the students were sampled by using multistage sampling technique. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: The majority 719 (92.7%) of female university students ever had sexual intercourse and 17 (2.2%) experienced forced sex. Eight (47%) of these 17 students experienced unintended pregnancy all of which resulted in an induced abortion. Three hundred seventy nine (72.2%) of the respondents had knowledge about emergency contraceptives and only 41 (10.8%) of them had ever used emergency contraceptives;oral contraceptive pills were the most widely used form of all emergency contraceptives 41 (10.8%). Age, marital status and age at menarche were associated with knowledge of emergency contraception;moreover, residence, year of study and experience of forced sex were found to be predictors of emergency contraception utilization. Conclusion: Female university students had been experiencing high rate of unintended sexual practice and pregnancy, low knowledge level and utilization of emergency contraceptives;moreover, they had no youth-friendly access to the services. Therefore, there is a need for collaborated effort to improve service access and scale up their utilization level to prevent unwanted pregnancy.