Perception and practice of emergency contraception by post-secondary school students in southwest Nigeria

A survey of 1500 students in post-secondary institutions in southwest Nigeria showed that the concept of emergency contraception (EC) was well known. Respectively, 32.4%, 20.4% and 19.8% knew that combined pills, progesterone only pills and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) were usable for EC, while 56.7% mentioned the use of traditional methods. Only 11.8% had ever used either pills or IUCD and 10.7% had used a traditional method. Few students (11.5% and 2.3% respectively) knew the correct timing of EC pills and IUCD. The respondents reported varying circumstances under which EC was indicated but the majority cited condom breakage and sexual assault. The popular media represent the commonest source of information while hospitals/clinics were the commonest sources of procurement. About 37% of the respondents planned to use EC in future while 58% would not and 4.7% were uncertain. Reasons for these responses were explored.