Knowledge and Perceptions of Emergency Contraception Among Female Undergraduates in Kathmandu Valley (A Case Study of Padma Kanya Multiple Campus and Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus)

Abstract

Quantitative and qualitative mix research deigns were used to analyze the situation of female undergraduate students' perceptions and knowledge regarding EC. Specific objectives of the study are to determine knowledge of EC (when and how EC should be prescribed, side effects and indication), to determine the in perceptions towards EC and to examine the in views on the essence of dissemination of information on EC incasee specially young female undergraduates in Kathmandu valley. Emergency Contraception (EC) is the only one method that can be used after unprotected sex to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Unwanted pregnancy, which may lead to unsafe abortion, is common among young women. Unwanted pregnancy is one of the major global women's health problems. It can occur due to missed regular family planning methods, forced sex, method failures and condom breakage. In this study mean age of respondents were 22.01 years.Among total respondents(82.4%)were youth. The Majority of the respondents(74%)were unmarried followed by 26 percent who were married. Among 250 respondents only 31.6 percent of respondents had about the correct meaning of the EC that is,used after unprotected sex to prevent unwanted pregnancy.Out of total respondents only 18.6 percent were aware about the most acceptable time of the EC as well as 76 percent of respondents was known only women can use EC.72.4 percent of total respondents aware about indication of EC.Similarly,only 34.8 percent of total respondents knew about dosing schedule of ECPs. In case of misperception towards EC, 68.8 percent of the respondents think that easy availability of EC in creases risky sexual behavior. Out of the total,more than one fifth(22%) of the respondents thought that EC is especially used by bad women and 39.2 percent agreed that EC should not be prescribed for unmarried girls. Out of total respondents, the majority of the respondents (80%) reported that EC leads to the increase of bad practices among people. vii The study shows that unmarried respondents have greater knowledge than married respondent and Janjati have a high level of knowledge in comparison to non-Janjati. Similarly, the respondents having low level of knowledge of EC have had a low(unfavorable)perception toward EC as well as hiving high level of knowledge tends to high (favorable) perception.