International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

ISSN 2736-1594

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 14 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Awareness and Practice Patterns of Emergency Contraception in a Non-Residential Tertiary Setting in Nigeria

Wright, Kikelomo Ololade1, Fabamwo, Adetokunbo Olusegun2* and Akinola, Oluwarotimi Ireti2

1Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria.
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria.

Accepted 22 November, 2025

This study assessed the knowledge and use of emergency contraception among female undergraduates of a non-residential tertiary institution in Lagos, Nigeria. It was a descriptive cross- sectional study conducted in March, 2011 amongst 363 consenting female undergraduates using pre- tested, structured questionnaires. Respondents were recruited by multistage sampling technique whilst data analysis was done using Epi Info Version 3.5.1 Statistical Software with level of significance set at P<0.05. About 26.7% of the respondents were aware of emergency contraceptives, with their major sources of information being friends (55.7%) and doctors (34%). Few (16.5%) respondents were aware that emergency contraceptives are effective within 72 h of use. The proportion of usage of emergency contraceptives amongst respondents who had heard of emergency contraceptives was 21.7%. It was concluded that information sharing strategies on emergency contraception may prove useful in deterring untoward consequences of unprotected sexual experiences amongst the youths.

Key words: Contraceptives, emergency, female, undergraduates, tertiary.