Like Chocolate: Adolescent Emergency Contraception Use in Nairobi Karen P. Fogg, M.PH. 1 Jill Keesbury, Ph.D. 2 Rob Stephenson, Ph.D. 1 1 Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA 2 Population Council, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: An “Epidemic" of EC Abuse?

Study Objectives Test assumptions of media reports Test assumptions of media reports Rapidly assess EC use in Nairobi Rapidly assess EC use in Nairobi Serve as formative research for future in-depth study on EC use and risky sexual behavior Serve as formative research for future in-depth study on EC use and risky sexual behavior

Methodology Survey of females in Nairobi, Kenya Survey of females in Nairobi, Kenya 300 respondents 300 respondents –100 secondary school –100 University –100 Out-of-school Questionnaire examined sexual activity, contraceptive knowledge/use, risk perceptions Questionnaire examined sexual activity, contraceptive knowledge/use, risk perceptions

Findings

Knowledge of EC is high among Nairobi’s adolescents Knowledge of EC in Survey Population and KDHS, by Percentage

…but correct knowledge is much lower Knowledge of EC vs. Correct Knowledge of EC, by percentage n=296

Most learn about EC from friends or family

Knowledge of EC does not imply use Knowledge of EC vs. Use of EC, by percentage n=296

Use of EC among Nairobi adolescents is higher than in the rest of the country, but still relatively low Ever-use of EC vs. Other Modern Methods, by percentage

Repeat use is lower than implied by the media You or Your Friends: Ever Use of EC vs. Repeat Use, by percentage N=165

Most obtain EC from private pharmacies

Conclusions Knowledge of EC is high among adolescents in Nairobi, although correct and comprehensive information is lacking Knowledge of EC is high among adolescents in Nairobi, although correct and comprehensive information is lacking There is no “epidemic” of EC abuse There is no “epidemic” of EC abuse Use of EC still remains low in comparison to other methods Use of EC still remains low in comparison to other methods Repeat use is not widespread Repeat use is not widespread

Contacts Jill Keesbury, Ph.D. Population Council, Nairobi PO Box Nairobi Kenya