Background: Unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortions are major public health problems in
sub-Saharan Africa. In the Western Region of Ghana, unsafe abortions account for 3.8% of all
maternal deaths. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) give women opportunity to prevent
unwanted pregnancy in the first few days after unprotected sexual intercourse. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the awareness and use of ECPs among students in a tertiary institution in
the Western Region of Ghana.
Methods: We conducted a survey using a self-administered questionnaire which inquired into
socio demographic background, awareness, knowledge and use of ECPs. We performed
descriptive and bivariate analysis, and used logistic regression in analysis to determine the factors
influencing ECP use.
Results: Awareness of emergency contraceptive was high (74.7%) but use was low 28.4%. Those
who had basic awareness of EC however lacked detailed knowledge about the content, effectiveness and the timing schedule after unprotected sex. Sixty seven per cent had used
emergency contraceptive pills more than ones within a year.
Conclusions: A high level of ECP awareness in this student population is not matched by usage.
Abuse and repeated use of emergency contraceptive could be curbed by educating young adults
on emergency contraception with emphasis on content, effectiveness and correct timing of use,
through various communication channels.