Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 8

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering the questions below. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

SAQ 8.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3)

  • a.What are the health consequences that a 16-year-old girl could face if she becomes pregnant?
  • b.What should the girl do to prevent or delay early pregnancy?

Answer

  • a.Pregnancy before the age of 18 year has several health risks, which include obstructed or prolonged labour, pre-eclampsia (hypertension of pregnancy), unsafe abortion, and premature and stillbirth.
  • b.To prevent or delay early pregnancy a 16-year-old girl should abstain from sex. If that is not possible she should use dual protection.

SAQ 8.2 (tests Learning Outcomes 8.1 8.2 and 8.3)

For each of the following contraceptive methods, say whether it is appropriate or not appropriate for a 15-year-old unmarried girl who is sexually active. In each case, explain why it is appropriate or not appropriate.

  • a.Combined oral contraceptive pills
  • b.Depo provera (DMPA)
  • c.IUCD
  • d.Sterilisation.

Answer

  • a.Combined oral contraceptive pills: appropriate because it has a low failure rate and also offers relief from pain during menstruation.
  • b.Depo-provera (DMPA): appropriate because she doesn’t need to remember when to take oral contraceptives; is has a low failure rate.
  • c.IUCD: not appropriate because women under the age of 20 who have not given birth appear to have greater risks of expulsion and painful menses due to IUCD.
  • d.Sterilisation: not appropriate because she has not yet had a child.

SAQ 8.3 (tests Learning Outcomes 8.1 and 8.3)

For each of the following contraceptive methods, say whether it is appropriate or not appropriate for a 19-year-old married woman who wants to delay pregnancy. Explain why it is appropriate or not appropriate.

  • a.Implants
  • b.Condom
  • c.Lactational amenorrhea method
  • d.Abstinence.

Answer

  • a.Implants: appropriate because very low failure rate, reversible and long acting.
  • b.Condom: appropriate because available without a prescription and provide protection against STIs/HIV.
  • c.Lactational amenorrhea method: not appropriate because she doesn’t fulfill the three criteria for LAM.
  • d.Abstinence: not appropriate because she is married.

SAQ 8.4 (tests Learning Outcomes 8.1 and 8.3)

What three conditions should be fulfilled if a young woman who has given birth a month ago want to prevent pregnancy by breastfeeding?

Answer

LAM is appropriate for any young woman who is under six months postpartum, fully or nearly fully breastfeeding, and amenorrhaeic.

SAQ 8.5 (tests Learning Outcomes 8.4 and 8.5)

A 17-year-old young woman comes to you saying that she had unprotected sex two days ago and does not want to become pregnant.

  • a.What will you give her?
  • b.What instructions will you give her?
  • c.What important points will you consider when counselling her?

Answer

  • a.Emergency contraceptive pills.
  • b.Take two pills immediately and the remaining two pills after 12 hours of the first dose.
  • c.If vomiting occurs within two hours of the first dose, take the extra pills
    • Come back for a regular contraceptive method
    • ECPs do not protect from STIs/HIV/AIDS, so she needs to use dual protection.

SAQ 8.6 (tests Learning Outcomes 8.4)

You don’t have any pre-packed ECPs and you have only combined oral contraceptive pills containing 50 µg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.25 mg of levonorgestrel.

  • a.How many pills will you give to a girl who is in need of ECPs?
  • b.At what interval should she take the pills?

Answer

  • a.Two pills should be taken as the first dose as soon as convenient, but not later than five days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse.
  • b.The second two pills should follow 12 hours later.

Notes on Activity 8.1

  1. Use a new condom for each sex act.
  2. Before any physical contact, place the condom on the tip of the erect penis with the rolled side out.
  3. Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the erect penis.
  4. Immediately after ejaculation, hold the rim of the condom in place and withdraw the penis while it is still erect.
  5. Dispose of the used condom safely.

Summary of Study Session 8