Research Article

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Emergency Contraceptives among Female Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Adequate knowledge and favourable attitudes are important for informed use of emergency contraceptives, but awareness does not necessarily translate into adequate knowledge or positive attitudes. Although previous studies have examined emergency contraceptive knowledge and use among Nigerian undergraduates, evidence addressing both knowledge and attitudes among female students across public universities in Rivers State remains limited. Local evidence is needed to identify students’ information needs and guide universitybased reproductive health education. This study assessed knowledge and attitudes towards emergency contraceptives among female undergraduate students in public universities in Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate students at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered electronic questionnaire through KoboToolbox. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize respondents’ characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes, while Pearson’s chi-square test was used to assess associations between selected background characteristics and knowledge and attitude levels. Among the total participants, 42.66% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge, while 57.34% had poor knowledge. Attitudes were predominantly negative, with 31.47% demonstrating a positive attitude and 68.53% demonstrating a negative attitude. Knowledge was significantly associated with age, marital status, university attended, and father’s occupation. Attitude was significantly associated with age, marital status, and father’s occupation. The findings indicate substantial gaps in knowledge and predominantly negative attitudes towards emergency contraceptives despite relatively high awareness. Comprehensive reproductive health education addressing knowledge gaps and misconceptions should be strengthened within university settings. 

Authors affiliation:

Susan Chizim Jerry-Robert (ORCID): Department of Public Health, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Solomon Nyeche (ORCID): Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 
Amaka Azubuike Ogba: Department of Public Health, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. 
Boma Judith Fubara: Department of Public Health, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Anthony Ike Wegbom: Department of Public Health, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

How To Cite: S.C. Jerry-Robert, S. Nyeche, A.A. Ogba, B.J. Fubara, A.I. Wegbom. Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Emergency Contraceptives among Female Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Public Health and Environmental Research, 2(2):61–71, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58612/jpher227