Knowledge and Practices of Emergency Contraception among Ghanaian Women
), , Fauster Kwaununu(2),
(1)
(2)
Corresponding Author
Abstract
The use of emergency contraceptives (EC) to prevent unwanted pregnancies when effective contraception has not been used is universally acknowledged. A study looked at the knowledge and practices of emergency contraception in 476 women in the reproductive age in Ghana. Knowledge and usage of EC applied to 57% and 41% of participants, respectively. Knowledge was independent of age (p=0.26), marital status (p=0.14) and level of education (p=0.21). Drugs (85.6%), herbal preparations (14.4%) and douching (43%) were used for emergency contraception. Drugs used included the combined Pill-24.0%, Postinor-28.5% and Norethisterone-43%. Only 44% correctly used drugs as EC. There is a high level of knowledge about EC as well as usage in the country. There is general misuse of norethisterone as EC. There is no knowledge in this study population that intrauterine device can be used as EC.
RésuméOn reconnait universellement l'emploi des contraceptions d'urgence (CU) pour prévenir les grossesses non voulues quand la contraception efficace n'a pas été employée. L'étude a examiné la connaissance et les pratiques de la contraception d'urgence chez 476 femmes en âge gestationnel au Ghana. La connaissance et l'usage des CUs s'appliquaient à 57% et 41% des participantes respectivement. La connaissance n'avait rien à voir avec l'age (p=0,26), l'état civil (p=0,14) et le niveau d'instruction (p=0,21). Les méicaments (85,6%), les remèdes à base de plantes et la douche vaginale (43%) ont servi de contraception d'urgence. Parmi les médicaments employés étaient la pilule combinée -24%, Postinor 28,5% et Norethistérone -43%. Il n'y avait que 43% qui ont utilisé les médicaments comme CU. Il y a un haut niveau de connaissance à l'égard de CU aussi bien qu'à l'égard de l'usage dans le pays. Il y a partout un abus de Norethistérone comme CU. Dans cette population, il n'y a pas de connaissance que l'on peu utiliser le dispositif intra-utérin comme CU.
Key words: emergency contraception, knowledge, practices, Ghana
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