Faced with a Double-Edged Risk: Ugandan University Students’ Perception of the Emergency Contraceptive Pill in Uganda
), Florence M. Mirembe(2), Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson(3), Elisabeth Faxelid(4),
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Corresponding Author
Abstract
Whereas in high-income countries potential users of Emergency Contraception (EC) have information and access to emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it has remained secretive in low-income countries like Uganda. Although several studies have been conducted in relation to EC, few have addressed users’ perceptions. The objective of our study was to explore perceptions of EC by university students in Kampala, Uganda. Seven focus group discussions and four key informant interviews were conducted at Makerere University, Kampala. The transcribed data was analyzed for content and recurrent themes. Participants expressed ambivalence about ECPs. The method was generally recommended but only to the “right people”, in this context being those aged eighteen years and more. There were reservations surrounding provision of ECPs like similarity with abortion and fear of side effects. Users’ and potential-users’ perceptions are crucial in the accessibility and utilization of ECPs (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[1]:47-59).
RĖSUMĖ
Face à un risque à double tranchant : La perception des étudiants ougandais de la pilule contraceptive d’urgence. Alors que dans les pays à hauts revenus les utilisateurs potentiels de la contraception d’urgence (CU) sont renseignés et ont accès aux pilules du contraceptif d’urgence (PCU) dans les pays à faibles revenus tel que l’Ouganda, elle est restée un secret. Bien que plusieurs études aient été faites sur la CU, très peu de ces études se sont occupées des perceptions des usagers. Notre étude avait pour but d’explorer les perceptions de CU par les étudiants universitaires à Kampala, Ouganda. Sept discussions à groupe cible et quatre interviews par des principaux informateurs ont été menées à l’Université de Makerere, Kampala. Les données transcrites ont été analysées pour déterminer le contenu et les thèmes récurrents. Les participants ont exprimé des idées ambivalentes à l’égard des PCU. La méthode a été recommandée en général, mais seulement aux gens appropriés, dans ce contexte, il s’agit des gens âgés d’au moins dix-huit ans. Ils ont émis des réserves sur la provision des PCU telle sa similarité avec l’avortement et la crainte des effets secondaires. Les perceptions des usages et des usagers potentiels sont cruciales à l’égard de l’accessibilité et l’utilisation des PCU (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[1]:47-59).
KEYWORDS: Emergency contraception, Focus group discussions, University students, Uganda
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