Knowledge of risk factors for ectopic pregnancy among female undergraduates in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: Ectopic pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal death during the first trimester of pregnancy, accounting for approximately one in ten pregnancy-related deaths. Knowledge of potential risk factors can improve early detection and avoid morbidity and complications. This cross-sectional study determined the knowledge level and prevalence of risk factors of ectopic pregnancy among female undergraduates. Material and Methods: Three hundred and ninety female students were randomly selected from the various hostels through multistage sampling. Results: The study found that 234 (60%) respondents were aware of ectopic pregnancy. The majority of the respondents (72.1%) had moderate to a good knowledge level of ectopic pregnancy and the risk factors. There was no significant difference in knowledge level based on marital status of the respondents (P = 0.642). Predominant risk factors for ectopic pregnancy identified among respondents were use of oral contraceptives – 151 (38.8%), frequent alcohol intake – 105 (26.9%), prior pelvic inflammatory disease 94 (24.1%), and induced abortion 52 (13.3%). Initiation of oral contraceptive use was between age 13 and 20 years for about 118 (77.7%) respondents. Conclusion: Health education interventions on the knowledge of symptoms and risk factors of ectopic pregnancy need to be targeted at women of reproductive age to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.