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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 21 million girls aged 15 to 19 become pregnant each year, with many of them residing in low- and middle-income countries where access to reproductive healthcare services may be limited (WHO, 2020). Additionally, pregnancies among university students, although less common, can still occur and present significant challenges to academic achievement and personal well-being.
Pregnancy among students is a prevalent issue worldwide, with adolescents and young adults facing heightened risks due to factors such as early sexual debut, lack of access to contraception, and inadequate sexual education. Factors contributing to the risk of unintended pregnancy among university students include inconsistent contraceptive use, lack of access to reproductive healthcare services, and limited knowledge about contraception.
Unintended pregnancies can profoundly impact the academic achievement of university students. The responsibilities associated with pregnancy and parenting, including prenatal care appointments, childbirth, and childcare responsibilities, can disrupt students’ ability to attend classes, complete assignments, and participate in extracurricular activities. Studies have shown that university students who experience unintended pregnancies are more likely to drop out of school or delay their education, leading to decreased graduation rates and reduced career opportunities (Gipson et al., 2018).
Unintended pregnancies can also have significant psychological and emotional effects on university students. The stress, anxiety, and uncertainty surrounding an unintended pregnancy can contribute to feelings of isolation, depression, and overwhelm. University students may experience heightened levels of stigma, shame, and judgment from peers, family members, and society, further exacerbating their emotional distress (Aiken et al., 2016).
Additionally, the decision-making process surrounding pregnancy options, including abortion, adoption, or parenting, can be emotionally taxing and challenging for students to navigate.
The financial implications of unintended pregnancies can pose significant challenges for university students. The cost of childbirth and childcare expenses can create a financial burden for students already facing tuition fees, housing costs, and living expenses. Moreover, the loss of income due to reduced working hours or the need to take time off from part-time jobs can further exacerbate financial strain, leading to increased debt and economic insecurity (Jones et al., 2019).
University students may face barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare services, including contraception, prenatal care, and abortion services. Limited access to affordable healthcare, lack of insurance coverage, and stigma surrounding sexual health issues can deter students from seeking essential reproductive healthcare services. Additionally, campus-based health centers may lack comprehensive reproductive healthcare services or may not provide confidential and nonjudgmental care, further hindering students’ ability to access the care they need (Brindis et al., 2017).
Unintended pregnancies among university students represent a significant public health concern. It has now become essential for governments to prioritize investments in comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including contraception education, access to affordable contraception, and care to support the reproductive autonomy and well-being of university students. By addressing university students' needs and challenges, they can be educated to make better-informed decisions about their reproductive health and achieve their academic and personal goals.
The Epharma4FP project led by the Society for Family Health is focused on optimizing family planning service provision through e-pharmacy systems.
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