Emergency Contraception Knowledge of Women Aged 15-49 to Andimeshk Health Centers -2006

Emergency contraception (EC) has great potential for reducing the number of unintended pregnancies and abortion. One of the most important barriers that has been associated with lack of using EC is limited knowledge. This study assesses the baseline knowledge of emergency contraception in Andimeshk (a city in north of Khuzestan a, Province in Iran). We focused mainly on emergency contraceptive pill because they are over the counter and the most common emergency contraceptive method in Iran.In a cross – sectional study, 630 women aged 15–49 refering to family planning clinic of health centers participated in this study.The questionnaire was completed by trained research assistants.Of the 630 respondents,55.6% of them had heard about EC. 31.7% knew the proper time limit in which emergency contraceptives must be used to be effective. 26.7% of women had enough knowledge about EC. There was a significant relationship between occupation (p<0.001), education of women wed (p<0.001), number of children (p=0.02), kind of contraceptive methods (p< 0.001) history of EC used (p<0.001), unwanted pregnancy in their last pregnancy (p =0.001) and knowledge about emergency contraceptive pills. Findings showed that there was a limited knowledge about EC. There is an urgent need to educate Andimeshk women about emergency contraception, emphasizing available methods and correct timing of use. Education on EC is a vital component of reproductive health program.