Knowledge, attitude, and practice on emergency contraceptives among female university students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Unwanted pregnancy followed by unsafe abortion can be avoided by using different contraceptive methods, including emergency contraceptives. Information on knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptives among women is particularly important because of high rates of teenage and unwanted pregnancies as well as soaring STI and HIV/AIDS rates. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptives among young females. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 774 female students at Addis Ababa University and Unity University College from January to September 2005. Results: About 43.5% (95% CI 40.0 - 47.0%) of the students said that they have heard about emergency contraceptives. When asked about specific types of emergency contraceptives, among those who have ever heard of emergency contraceptives, 279 (82.8%) mentioned pills and 115 (34.1%) mentioned intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). About 53% (95% CI 49.1-56.1%) of the students had positive attitude towards emergency contraceptives and only 4.9% (95% CI 3.4-6.4%) respondents reported that they had used emergency contraceptive methods previously. Conclusion: The study has shown that there is low level of knowledge and practice of emergency contraceptives among female university students.The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development Vol. 21 (2) 2007: pp. 111-11

Health facility-based maternal death audit in Tigray, Ethiopia

Background: Maternal deaths are often unrecognized and improperly documented in the health system. Objective: To identify causes of maternal death occurring in hospitals and determine avoidability of maternal death. Methods: The study assessed each death for the cause and surrounding circumstances as well as avoidable factors, by reviewing two years patient and facility records and interviewing individuals who were involved in caring for the deceased. Data were collected between December 2005 and May 2006. Result: A total of 34 maternal deaths were identified in five public hospitals in Tigray over a period of two years, of which 12 (35.2%) were reported to have been avoidable. The leading causes of death were infection, haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders. Avoidable factors were mainly related to hospital service or medical factors such as lack of blood for transfusion, delay in transfusion, and inappropriate treatment. Lack of transportation and delayed careseeking also contributed to avoidable maternal deaths. The quality of medical records was very poor. Nearly 73.5% of maternal deaths were of rural residents and 20.5% of those who died were under the age of 18, which shows that young girls and rural residents carry significant maternal death risk. Conclusions: Maternal deaths are not properly documented in health facilities. Improper care led to avoidable maternal death. Improving care and information systems is crucial to making pregnancy safer and reducing maternal death.

Influence of women's autonomy on couple's contraception use in Jimma town, Ethiopia

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