Knowledge and utilization of emergency contraceptives among certificate female nursing students at Kampala International University, Western Campus, Bushenyi district

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Date
2016-10
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Kampala International University, School of Health Sciences
Abstract
Emergency contraception is used as an emergency procedure to prevent unintended pregnancy secondary to an unprotected sexual intercourse and method failure. This study assessed knowledge and utilization of emergency contraception among certificate female nursing students of Kampala International University, western campus. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among female nursing students of Kampala International University in August 2016. Participants were sampled using systematic sampling technique. Pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered and analyzed using Microsoft excel programme. Results were presented using descriptive statistics, frequencies and percentages. A total of ninety six (96) volunteered certificate nursing female students participated in the study. Seventy six (79%) of the female certificate nursing students ever heard of Emergency Contraceptives, only 8(11%) used/or ever used the method. The commonest source of information was formal health education (71%). EC are indicated in preventing pregnancy post rape (29%), failure of barrier method (24%), missing of oral contraceptives (20%); and should be initiated within 24hours (43.4%). In addition students knew that ECs do not terminate pregnancy if woman is already pregnant (68%), are available not only by prescription (74%), effective when taken immediately (50%) and do not protect from STD (88%). The present study shows that knowledge of emergency contraceptives among certificate female nursing students of Kampala International University is high though utilization of the method is still very low despite some having unintended pregnancies. Evidently, there is a need for carefully designed educational programmes and promotion of EC in existent student health care centres on campus.
Description
A research report submitted to Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examination Board in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the a ward of a Diploma in Nursing Sciences
Keywords
Emergency contraceptives, Certificate female nursing students, Kampala International University, Western Campus
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