Lira University, Lira, Uganda
Public Health, Lira University, Lira, Uganda.
BMJ Open. 2024 Feb 28;14(2):e079478. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079478.
The aim of the current study was twofold: to understand the nature and extent of stigma and to learn the reasons behind the decision not to use emergency contraceptive pills among university students in the Lango subregion of Uganda.
An exploratory qualitative study design.
The study was carried out among university students in Lango subregion of Uganda.
40 female university students across four universities.
Stigma.
Participants (n=40) aged 19-26 exhibited generally positive attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills, recognising them as empowering and essential. Stigma, however, emerged as a substantial barrier manifested in societal judgements and negative perceptions. Themes included the positive attitude towards emergency contraceptive pills, perceptions of peers and the general public, and perceptions of health service providers.
Stigma significantly impedes emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda. Positive attitudes towards the pills contrast with societal judgements and provider stigmatisation. Tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps, societal perceptions and healthcare system challenges are crucial for improving emergency contraceptive pill acceptability and utilisation among university students.
本研究旨在理解乌干达兰戈地区大学生对紧急避孕的污名和拒绝使用的原因。
探索性定性研究设计。
乌干达兰戈地区的大学。
四所大学的 40 名女大学生。
污名。
年龄在 19-26 岁的参与者普遍对紧急避孕药持积极态度，认为它们具有赋权和必要的作用。然而，污名是一个重要的障碍，表现为社会评判和负面看法。主题包括对紧急避孕药的积极态度、对同龄人和公众的看法，以及对卫生服务提供者的看法。
污名严重阻碍了乌干达兰戈地区大学生对紧急避孕的使用。对这些药物的积极态度与社会评判和提供者污名化形成鲜明对比。针对知识差距、社会看法和医疗体系挑战的定制干预措施对于提高大学生对紧急避孕的接受度和使用率至关重要。
