Awareness of hormonal emergency contraception among married women in a Kuwaiti family social network

ObjectiveAwareness and use of hormonal emergency contraception are not known in the Arab world. This study investigated awareness and perceptions of hormonal emergency contraception among women within a Kuwaiti extended family and their social contacts.Study designA cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed to 66 married women within a Kuwaiti family's social network. The questionnaire provided a short explanation of hormonal emergency contraception and then elicited the respondent's prior awareness, concerns and perception on future availability.ResultsThe mean (S.D.) age of the respondents was 35.1 (6.3) years. Over 30% were currently using oral contraceptives; 28% were using no contraceptive method. Four women (6.1%) had heard of hormonal emergency contraception before, one had used it. Most respondents (65.2%) would not use or inform a friend about hormonal emergency contraception. Main concerns were risks to the health of the woman (83.3%) or the baby (54.5%) or that it was abortifacient (21.2%). However, 90.9% of respondents wanted hormonal emergency contraception to be available.ConclusionsAwareness of hormonal emergency contraception is low among Kuwaiti women. Despite some concerns, they feel it should be made available. Health care providers and policymakers should address this situation.