Knowledge and Attitude regarding Emergency Contraceptive Pills among Non-medical Students of Pokhara University

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) refer to a birth control modality that when used with in certain time limits after unprotected intercourse can prevent an unwanted pregnancy and its adverse outcomes especially unintended births and unsafe abortions. The study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude towards Emergency Contraceptive Pills among non-medical students of Pokhara University.

Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to conduct this study. Study population consisted of students of the School of Business and School of Development and Social Engineering of Pokhara University. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 217 students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were collected in the month of August, 2022 and were then analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentage, mean and SD) and inferential statistics chi-square test.

Results: Result revealed that only 36.4% of respondents were aware of ECP, and 28.2% of respondents knew the correct meaning of ECP. Despite the lack of knowledge about ECP, 53.9% respondents showed a favorable attitude towards ECP. None of the demographic variables factors like age, gender, ethnicity, residence, marital status, type of family, and educational level of the respondents were found to be statistically associated with the level of  knowledge.

Conclusion: This study concludes that non-medical students tend to have poor knowledge regarding ECP, but a favorable attitude towards ECP. Their demographic characteristics like age, gender, ethnicity, residence, marital status, type of family, and educational level are unlikely to influence their knowledge regarding ECP.