Knowledge, attitude and practice of women about emergency contraception in women who referred to health centers of Shahrekord in 2006

With respect to the importance of family planning and the potential of emergency contraceptives in prevention of unwanted pregnancy, the present study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency contraception in users of condom, withdrawal and rhythm methods. In this descriptive-analytical study, a total of 400 women who used tp condom, withdrawal and rhythm methods for contraception and referred to the health centers of Shahrekord were questioned for their knowledge, attitude, and practice about emergency contraception. Data were obtained using a self designed questionnaire including demographic characteristics, knowledge (8 questions), attitude (15 questions), and practice (4 questions) and were analyzed using t and Chi square tests. Of the women studied, condom, withdrawal, rhythm, and mixed method were used by 60.5%, 38.8%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, respectively. 78% of the respondents had information about emergency contraception. The knowledge of the users about the method was inadequate in 22.5%, moderate in 55%, and adequate in 22% of them. The attitude about emergency contraception was positive in more than 70% of the women, nevertheless, only 20.5% of them practiced emergency contraception and 69% of them liked to use these methods in future. The individuals aged ranging of 31-40 years old, the employed (p<0.001) and the high-educated persons (p<0.01) had more information about emergency contraception compared to others. In the individuals studied, the more information about the methods, the more practice in using of them (p<0.001). With respect to inadequate knowledge and practice of women and their positive attitudes about emergency contraception, it is suggested that the knowledge and attitude of health care providers about emergency contraception should be assessed and also, the education of the women about that is emphasized.