Qualitative study on stigma as a barrier to emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda

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dc.contributor.authorKabunga, Amir
dc.contributor.authorKigongo, Eustes
dc.contributor.authorAcanga, Alfred
dc.contributor.authorTumwesigye, Raymond
dc.contributor.authorAuma, Anna Grace
dc.contributor.authorMusinguzi, Marvin
dc.contributor.authorKambugu, Caroline Nabasirye
dc.contributor.authorOkalo, Ponsiano
dc.contributor.authorAbal, Judith Akello
dc.contributor.authorNamata, Halimah
dc.contributor.authorMwesigwa, David
dc.date.accessioned2024-03-14T12:06:37Z
dc.date.available2024-03-14T12:06:37Z
dc.date.issued2024-02
dc.description.abstractOBJECTIVEThe 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.DESIGNAn exploratory qualitative study design.SETTINGThe study was carried out among university students in Lango subregion of Uganda.PARTICIPANTS40 female university students across four universities.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESStigma.RESULTSParticipants (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. CONCLUSION 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.en_US
dc.identifier.citationKabunga A, Kigongo E, Acanga A, et al. Qualitative study on stigma as a barrier to emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Uganda. BMJ Open 2024;14:e079478. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2023-079478en_US
dc.identifier.issnISSN 2044-6055
dc.identifier.issnEISSN 2044-6055
dc.identifier.urihttps://nru.uncst.go.ug/handle/123456789/9440
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherBritish Medical Journal Publishing Groupen_US
dc.subjectextent of stigma ; emergency contraceptive pills; university students; Lango subregion of Uganda.en_US
dc.titleQualitative study on stigma as a barrier to emergency contraceptive pill use among university students in the Lango subregion, Ugandaen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
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