Factors influencing emergency contraceptive use: perspectives of students in Durban, South Africa.

Abstract

Emergency contraception (EC) has been identified as an effective method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. This study sought to determine the perspectives and experiences of users of emergency contraception. The study draws on qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 20 female students at a university in Durban, South Africa. The study found that respondents used emergency contraceptive method because they were not using other methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy. They gave a number of reasons for preventing unplanned pregnancy including the desire to complete their education, their lack of financial stability and their unstable relationship status. Respondents revealed that they feel that EC is an effective method to prevent pregnancy, although some women who fell pregnant indicated that they needed more information and guidance about why emergency contraception sometimes does not work effectively and results in pregnancy. Furthermore, the study indicates that health care facilities, cultural and religious beliefs are the main barriers for young people not accessing contraceptive methods. Thus, the study recommends that there should be more research done on the effectiveness of use of EC. Proper training of health care providers on how to address young people when they seek health services is recommended.