Emergency Contraception: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Women of Childbearing-age at a Teaching Hospital of Lahore

Abstract

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of emergency contraception among women of child-bearing age at a teaching hospital of Lahore. Study design: It was a cross-sectional observational study. Place and duration of study: Our study was conducted in Sharif Medical City Hospital affiliated with Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore from July 2017 to December 2017. Methodology:Married women of child-bearing age, visiting our out-patient department, who gave informed consent, were enrolled in the study. The questions were asked and collected data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of 160 women were included in the study, out of which 27(16.9%) were aware of emergency contraception (EC) and 133(83.1%) were not. Of those 27 who were aware of EC, 24(88.9%) knew only about emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and 3(11.1%) only about IUCD for emergency contraception. Among those who were aware of EC, 9 (33.3%) have used it themselves and 18 (66.6%) have not. Usage rate, out of total 160 participants, was found to be 5.6%. Among those who have not used it, 14(77.8%) showed willingness to use it if needed and 4(22.2%) did not intend to use EC even if needed. Previous use or willingness to use it if needed was taken as positive attitude. It was found in 23(85.2%) out of 27 participants having knowledge of EC. Conclusion:The awareness about availability of EC was disappointingly low in our study. Practice and positive attitude after having its knowledge was relatively better but was not up to the mark.