Patterns of emergency contraception use by age and ethnicity from a randomized trial comparing advance provision and information only

PurposeThis study measures the impact of the advance provision of emergency contraception (EC) among family planning clients at 31 clinics in California.MethodsWe randomized over 9000 clients to receive a packet containing either two 0.75-mg levonorgestrel pills (Plan B™) or an identical packet containing EC information only. We conducted follow-up interviews on a subset of 1130 clients selected to optimize the age and ethnicity distribution. The interviews collected information on EC use, contraception, risk-taking behaviors and EC attitudes.ResultsClients who received EC in advance were significantly more likely to have used EC (19%) than women who received information only (12%) (p=.0009). There were no significant differences between the contraceptive and risk-taking behavior of the two treatment groups. Study respondents of all ages and ethnicities expressed positive attitudes about EC. Nevertheless, even with EC on-hand, many respondents who reported unprotected intercourse decided not to take EC.ConclusionMore research should be done on the reasons women decide not to use EC even when readily available.