Prevalence and Factors Associated with Unwanted Pregnancies among Female Students between 15 and 35 Years at Kampala International University Western Campus Ishaka Bushenyi

Abstract

An unwanted pregnancy is either mistimed or unwanted at the time of conception. It was a core concept in understanding the fertility of populations and the unmet need for contraception. In this context, low use of contraception and high rates of maternal mortality make preventing unwanted pregnancies critical. The study conducted by Global Health Action in 2018 revealed that the non-use of contraception among Ugandan university students differs for men and women. A systematic sampling method was used to select 300 participants, of whom all female students taking health science courses were selected. This study was an institutional-based cross-sectional study. The study showed that having good knowledge of contraceptive use at an odds ratio of 0.91 (0.24–1.47) and a p-value of 0.001 and proper use of contraceptives at a p-value of 0.004 and an odds ratio of 0.60 (0.36–6.67) were significant factors in reducing unwanted pregnancies. The study recommends that students should be encouraged to use family planning to reduce the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies. There should be continued sensitization of students about unwanted pregnancies and the dangers of early sex involvement. Keywords: Unwanted pregnancy, contraceptive use, Conception, Ugandan university students, Family planning.