KAMPALA: Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), commonly used as a method of birth control, are increasingly popular among students in Uganda’s higher learning institutions. This trend is particularly noticeable in universities and tertiary institutions, where students make up the bulk of the consumer base for these contraceptives.
Popular Brands and Availability
The most widely used brands include Lydia, Postinor, Backup, and Lenovo, among others. A survey conducted by our reporters across clinics and pharmacies in Kikoni—a residential area that houses students from Makerere, Bugema, Ndejje Universities, YMCA, and Makerere Business Institute (MBI)—revealed that emergency contraceptive pills are among the highest-selling products.
Survey Findings: High Sales Tied to Student Presence
Emily (not her real name), a pharmacist in Kikoni, shared that she sells at least one box (containing 20 pills) per week. “This figure remains steady, especially when students return from holidays and as the semester comes to a close,” she noted.
Similarly, a doctor at a busy Kikoni clinic, who requested anonymity, has witnessed this trend firsthand during his five years of practice in the area. “On average, I sell two to three boxes per week, each containing 20 pills,” he said. However, he emphasized that these numbers fluctuate based on student presence. “Sales drop significantly when students are away but spike when they return.”
These patterns underscore that students are the primary consumers of these contraceptives. Brand preference also plays a role in purchasing behavior. Dr. Asaph Bangi explained that Lydia is the preferred brand due to its affordability compared to others like Backup and Postinor. “Lydia costs 5,000 shillings, while brands like Backup can cost up to 10,000 shillings,” Bangi stated.
Students Speak Out
Mercy Grace Kyomuhendo, a student and peer educator at Makerere University, estimated that “one in every five university students use emergency pills.” She attributed this high usage to both the accessibility of the pills in nearby pharmacies and the sexual behaviors of some students. “Girls use pills because they fear pregnancies more than sexually transmitted diseases,” she added.
A student from Ndejje University (Kampala campus), who preferred to remain anonymous, admitted to using emergency contraceptives regularly. “My boyfriend and I use pills because we did a blood test and found out that we are both negative,” she explained. Since then, the couple has relied on pills for what she described as “worry-free sex.”
Expert Insights: The Health Risks of Overuse
Dr. Ali Ayebare of Doctors’ Care Medical Clinic in Kikoni confirmed that emergency contraceptive pills are among the most sold medications in the area, second only to antibiotics used to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs). “University students are sexually active, and some prefer unprotected sex, which is why they turn to emergency pills,” Ayebare remarked.
While ECPs are effective when used correctly, experts warn about the potential health risks associated with overuse. “Pills can have severe side effects if taken excessively,” Dr. Ayebare cautioned. “Women risk infertility or hormonal imbalances when they overuse them.”
He urged students to follow the recommended guidelines found in the medication leaflets. “When used appropriately, pills are safe. The problem arises when students use them more frequently than recommended,” he explained. Dr. Ayebare also advocated for abstinence as the most reliable form of birth control, highlighting that unprotected sex increases the risk of STIs, including HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Ivundya Samuel, a medical expert at Kireku Medical Center in Bweyogerere, echoed these concerns, noting that excessive use of emergency contraceptives can lead to vaginal bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles. “They are also associated with breast engorgement and pain. Unfortunately, many students lack proper knowledge about their use, leading to misuse and complications,” Samuel added
Study Highlights Gaps in Emergency Contraceptive Awareness
A 2022 research study titled “Awareness and Attitudes Towards Emergency Contraceptive Pills Among Female Non-Medical Undergraduate Students at Makerere University” has revealed significant gaps in reproductive health knowledge among students. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced education on emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) through peer-led initiatives and better training for healthcare professionals.
Key Findings: Limited Awareness and Knowledge Gaps
The research found that while many students are aware of emergency contraceptive pills, detailed knowledge about their proper use, safety, time limits, and potential side effects remains limited. The study recommends that health workers receive more comprehensive education on these topics to better guide students.
Peer education was highlighted as a crucial method for spreading accurate information. “Most students need broader knowledge and education on reproductive health,” the report noted, suggesting that peer-to-peer approaches could significantly improve awareness and understanding.
Sources of Information: Media Takes the Lead
When it comes to how students learn about emergency contraceptives, the study found that the majority rely on media sources:
- 37.7 percent of students cited media as their primary source of information.
- 28.9 percent learned about ECPs through friends.
- Only 19.5 percent received information from medical professionals.
These statistics underscore the need for more formal educational channels to supplement media and peer-driven information, ensuring students have access to accurate and reliable guidance.
Global Context: Family Planning and Its Impact
The findings at Makerere University align with global trends highlighted in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Family Planning Handbook. According to WHO, “Family planning promotes self-actualization, empowerment, and health well-being, while reducing maternal and infant deaths through the prevention of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.”
In 2021, out of 1.9 billion women of reproductive age (15–49 years) worldwide, 1.1 billion had a need for family planning. Of these:
- 874 million were using modern contraceptive methods.
- 164 million had an unmet need for contraception.
WHO noted a significant increase in the number of women desiring to use family planning, rising from 900 million in 2000 to nearly 1.1 billion in 2021. Furthermore, the organization projects that an additional 70 million women will require family planning services by 2030.
Balancing Risks and Benefits of Contraceptive Use
While contraceptive use carries certain risks, WHO emphasizes its substantial benefits in improving women’s and children’s health. Contraceptives reduce maternal mortality by preventing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. They also improve child survival rates through effective birth spacing.
The study at Makerere University reflects the broader need for comprehensive reproductive health education, ensuring that students not only have access to emergency contraceptives but also understand how to use them safely and effectively.
