Pearson chi-square statistics was used to examine the relationship between demographic variables and use of EC. The results show that awareness of EC (p < 0.001), knowledge of timing (p < 0.001), perceived risk of unplanned pregnancy (p < 0.001), and level of study (p < 0.001), were significantly associated with the use of EC (Table 4). Perceived side effect of EC and age (P > 0.05) were not significantly associated with the use of EC.Table 4Pearson chi-square results showing factors associated with the use of emergency contraceptionVariablesEver used pills after sex to prevent unplanned pregnancy P-valueYesNoAll90 (27.4)238 (72.6)Age ≤ 1918 (20.5)70 (79.5)0.13 20–2354 (28.4)136 (71.6) ≥ 2418 (36.0)32 (64.0)Year of study First7 (11.3)55 (88.7)0.03 Second19 (27.9)49 (72.1) Third30 (33.3)60 (66.7) Fourth26 (30.6)59 (69.4) Fifth8 (32.0)17 (68.0)Place of residence in school University residence21 (21.2)78 (78.8)0.08 Oppidans69 (29.9)162 (70.1)Timing of use Up to 24 h of sex66 (47.8)72 (52.2)0.10 72 h after sex3 (50.0)3 (50.0) Before Sex1 (10.0)9 (90.0) A week after sex2 (22.2)7 (77.8) Don’t Know1 (8.3)11 (91.7)Perception of Side Effects WHO proven side effects of ECa 23 (46.0)27 (54.0)0.52 Unproven side effects of ECb 42 (45.2)51 (54.8) Don’t Know12 (37.5)20 (62.5) No side effect0 (0.0)2 (100.0)Name of pills ever used Postinor62 (48.7)78 (51.3)0.001 Non EC pills9 (25.7)26 (74.3) Cannot remember0 (0.0)11 (100.0)Aware of EC86 (42.0)119 (58.0)0.00Perceived pregnancy risk55 (61.1)35 (38.9)0.00Ever engaged in sexual intercourse90 (51.1)82 (48.9)0.00 aNausea, Irregular menstrual cycle, Bleeding bDamage to the womb, Future infertility