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Factors Associated With the Utilization of Emergency Contraceptives by Female College Students in Rural Ghana: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background and Aims Emergency contraception is a simple and safe method of preventing unwanted pregnancy following an unprotected or nonconsensual sexual encounter. University students have a history of engaging in risky sexual behaviors, leading to unintended pregnancies among female undergraduates. This study assessed the utilization of emergency contraceptives (EC) among female college students in rural Ghana. Methods This quantitative cross‐sectional study was conducted among 310 female college students from two institutions – Midwifery Training College and the Tumu College of Education – located in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West region of Ghana. A structured questionnaire consisting of four sections was utilized as the data collection instrument. The univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the sociodemographic factors and knowledge level associated with emergency contraceptive utilization. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing SPSS v. 25.0 and STATA v. 14.0. Results 80.2% of students had heard of EC with the health worker (41.6%) and colleagues/friends (30.8%) being the most common sources of information. Overall, the majority of participants had good knowledge (78.2%) and good attitudes (77.8%) regarding EC practice. 52% had used EC before, with more than half (69.5%) utilizing levonorgestrel‐only pill the most. Good Knowledge (aOR: 4.46 [95%CI: 2.28‐8.72]; p < 0.001) and being in the Midwifery College (aOR: 1.96 [95%CI: 1.14‐3.38]; p = 0.015) were significantly associated with EC utilization. Conclusion Despite the majority of participants having heard of EC, most were not utilizing them appropriately due to a lack of detailed information and misconceptions. Health policymakers, heads of tertiary institutions, and educators should prioritize improving the educational curriculum and strengthening advocacy efforts in rural areas to address misconceptions and promote the benefits of EC, ultimately leading to better EC utilization and a reduction in unwanted pregnancies.

Source: Health Science Reports

DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70575

Authors: Muhusin Alhassan, Yaa Nyarko Adjeso, Clement Tiimim Yanbom, Samuel Kwame Sopuruchi Agomuo

Institutions: University for Development Studies, Ghana Health Service, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Contraception

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,280