ABSTRACT
The study investigated the knowledge, attitude towards, and the factors that influence the use of emergency contraceptives pills among the female undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo state. To achieve the purpose of this study, three (3) research questions were raised and the literatures related to the study were also reviewed. The study adopted the descriptive study research design. The population of the study consisted of four thousand, seven hundred and sixty four (4764) female undergraduate students of the University of Benin. One hundred and sixty (160) respondents, purposively and randomly selected, formed the sample of the population. The instrument used for the study was a “Questionnaire on the knowledge, attitude towards, and the factors that influence the use of emergency contraceptive pills among the female undergraduate students of the University of Benin”. the questionnaire was validated by the project supervisor and two other lecturers from the department of Health, Safety, and Environmental Education (HSE). The split-half reliability method using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient formulae was used to obtain the reliability coefficient. Data obtained from the instrument were analyzed using frequency count and simple percentages. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents; have high knowledge of emergency contraceptive pills, have a positive attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills utilization, and the major factors that influence the use of emergency contraceptive pills are knowledge and awareness, partner’s support and consent and the society’s view on its purchase and use. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that programmes such as campaigns, workshops, seminars, etc. should be organized on emergency contraceptive pills and its correct use, so as to increase awareness on and the knowledge of emergency contraceptive pills among female undergraduates. The mechanism of emergency contraceptive pills and its side effects should also be taught, so as to inculcate in them the right attitude towards its use. Health care providers should also make these pills readily available and accessible and should as well provide counseling services for these students.
