Awareness on Emergency Contraception among Married Women

Abstract

Background: Emergency contraception is a method of contraception that can be used to prevent unprotected act of sexual intercourse. There are both hormonal and non-hormonal methods of emergency contraception available. These methods are also called “morning after pill” or post coital contraception. Aim: The present study aims to assess the awareness on emergency contraception among married women. Methods: The community based study was conducted in selected villages at Mamandur. This cross sectional study was conducted among 110 married women. The married women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected by using non probability convenient sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge regarding emergency contraception among married women. Results: The present study results show that, majority 63(57.3%) of married women had inadequate knowledge, 46(41.80%) of them had moderately adequate knowledge and only 1(0.9%) had adequate knowledge on emergency contraception. Conclusion: The present study concludes that, majority 63(57.3%) of married women had inadequate knowledge on emergency contraception. Appropriate use of emergency contraception should be encouraged to avoid unwanted pregnancy and also to reduce the increasing abortion rate. Teaching programme can be planned for improving the knowledge of married women on emergency contraception.