Knowledge, attitudes and practices of emergency contraceptive among female students at Parakou University (Benin)

Objective: This study was designed to assess emergency contraception knowledge, attitude and practices among female students at Parakou University. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 570 female students recruited after cluster sampling in the various university departments. A predefined questionnaire was used to interview students after they consented to participate in the survey. The data collected were analysed by Epi Info software and variables were compared by Chi-square test with a limit of significance of 5%. Results: More than half of the students (51%) were familiar with the emergency contraception method and had been informed by friends and the media. Only 18% of them had already used this method at least once following unprotected sexual intercourse. Most of them were under the age of 24 and reported having irregular sexual partners. Conclusion: Students were familiar with and had easy access to the method. However, repeated use of this method highlights the need for better information of these students concerning classical methods of contraception. An awareness campaign should be conducted on the campus in order to reduce the currently high rate of non-medical clandestine abortion.