Assessment of knowledge of risk factors for ectopic pregnancy and associated factors among female undergraduates of University of Jos

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy a major gynaecological problem and leading cause of maternal mortality. It is assuming greater importance from increasing incidence and impact on women's fertility; as late presentation makes its burden larger among women in developing countries.
Objective: To assess the level of knowledge and prevalence of risk factors for ectopic pregnancy among female undergraduates of the University of Jos.
Method: A cross-sectional survey carried out among 347 students who lived in the hostels of the University of Jos using a multistage sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics was presented as frequencies and percentages. Other statistical tests used include Chi-square and Fisher's exact at p<0.05 level of significance.
Results: Almost a quarter (24.8%) of the participants had good knowledge, about half (49.0%) had moderate knowledge while slightly above a quarter (26.2%) had poor knowledge of ectopic pregnancy. A statistically significant relationship was observed when multiple sexual partners (X²=63.42; p=0.000); prior PID (X²=117.22; p=0.000); OCP use (X²=93.50; p=0.000); induced abortion (X²=140.62; p=0.000); tubal surgery(X²=88.09; p=0.000); smoking (X²=7.76; p=0.021); and the number of sexual partners was compared with knowledge of ectopic pregnancy (X²=36.20; p=0.003), but none when marital status was compared with knowledge (X²12.302; p=0.138). The most prevalent risk factors included the use of oral contraceptives, prior PID 37(10.7%), alcohol intake 34 (9.8%), induced abortion 33(9.5%) and multiple sexual partners 43(16.3%) of 264 sexually active respondents.
Conclusion: Women of reproductive age group should be educated on the knowledge of symptoms and risk factors of ectopic pregnancy to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with it.