Knowledge and awareness of emergency contraception methods in rural and urban areas of Haryana, India

Authors

  • Sukhbir Pal Kaur Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adesh Medical College and Hospital, Mohri, Shahbad, Haryana, India
  • Susmita Sharma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adesh Medical College and Hospital, Mohri, Shahbad, Haryana, India
  • Gagan Lata Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adesh Medical College and Hospital, Mohri, Shahbad, Haryana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20195322

Keywords:

Awareness, Emergency contraception, Knowledge, Perception

Abstract

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) is usage of contraceptive method after an unprotected sexual intercourse. It provides a window of opportunity for females for prevention of an unplanned pregnancy. In India, emergency contraceptive usage continues to be very poor. Thus, this study was planned to analyse the knowledge, awareness, and practices of married women in Haryana towards EC methods.

Methods: This observational study was undertaken in a single centre on a section of rural and urban population in Haryana. A total of 500 women of reproductive age group were included in the study. A series of questions were asked in a face to face interview from a pre-structured questionnaire in a non-formal yet confidential environment. The data were collected, analysed, and compared with data available in literature.

Results: In our study, more than 50% women had never heard of EC. Of those who were aware, majority (95.83%) knew about EC pills. IUD as EC was known to a very few women (2.08%). Television was the most common source of information followed by family and friends. The most common source of procurement of EC pills was from chemist shops (83.3%). Very few women (4.1%), knew the correct time for taking the EC pills.

Conclusions: Our study affirms a poor knowledge about use of emergency contraception among women in Haryana. Imparting knowledge through television, social media and incorporating and highlighting EC use in sex education programs can greatly help to increase the awareness and knowledge of correct EC use.

References

Summary of key findings. India fact sheet, NFHS- 3, 2005-06. Available at: http://www.rchiips.org/nfhs/nfhs3.shtml.

Annual Health Survey (2010-11). Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. New Delhi: ORG; 2010:11.

Myer L, Mlobeli R, Cooper D, Smit J, Morroni C. Knowledge and use of emergency contraception among women in the Western Cape province of South Africa: a cross-sectional study. BMC Women's Health. 2007;7:14.

Summary of key findings. India fact sheet, NFHS- 4, 2015-16. Available at: http://rchiips.org/nfhs/NFHS-4Reports/Haryana.pdf.

Kushwah SS, Mittal A. Perceptions and practice with regard to reproductive health among out of school adolescents. Indian J Community Med. 2007;32(2):141-3.

Adhikari R. Factors affecting awareness of emergency contraception among college students in Kathmandu, Nepal. BMC Women's Health. 2009;9:27.

Tripathi R, Rathore AM, Sachdev J. Emergency contraception: knowledge, attitude and practice among health care providers in North India. J Obstet Gynecol Res. 2003;29:142-6.

Mehra R, Goel P, Dua D, Huria A. Knowledge of emergency contraception among women coming for induced abortion. J Obstet Gynecol India. 2006;56(3):233-5.

Nigam A, Maheshwari N, Prakash A. Knowledge of emergency contraception and Contraceptive practices: Representative study from Rural Uttar Pradesh. Indian J Community Med. 2010;35(3):449-50.

Tajure N, Pharm B. Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraception among graduating female students of Jimma university, Southwest Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2010;20(2):91-7.

Takkar N, Goel P, Saha PK, Dua D. Contraceptive practices and awareness of emergency contraception in educated working women. Indian J Med Sci. 2005;59:143-9.

Tafuri S, Martinelli D, Germinario C, Prato R. A survey of opinions on emergency contraception in young women in Southern Italy. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2012;2(17):164-9.

Ahmed FA, Moussa K, Petterson KO, Asamoah BO. Assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency contraception: a cross- sectional study among Ethiopian undergraduate female students. BMC Public Health. 2012;12:110.

Nworah JAO, Sunday UM, Joseph OU, Monday OO, Josephat CA. Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraception among students in tertiary schools in Anambra State Southeast Nigeria. Int Med Med Sci. 2010;2(1):1-4.

Pearson VA, Owen MR, Philips DR, Gray DJ, Marshall MN. Pregnant teenager’s knowledge and use of emergency contraception. BMJ. 1995;310:1644.

George J, Turner J, Cooke E, Hennessey E, Savage W, Julian P, et al. Women’s knowledge of emergency contraception. Br J Gen Pract. 1994;44:451-4.

Irfan F, Karim SI, Hashmi S, Ali S, Ali SA. Knowledge of emergency contraception among women of childbearing age at a teaching hospital of Karachi. J Pak Med Assoc. 2009;59(4):236-40.

Mittal S, Anandalakshmy PN, Lakhtakiya M. Socio- demographic profile of emergency contraceptive users. J Family Welfare. 2003;45(2):14-7.

Mittal S. Emergency contraception: potential for women’s health. Indian J Med Res. 2014:14.

Downloads

Published

2019-11-26

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles