Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
3954404 International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 2011 5 Pages PDF
Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the degree of knowledge, perception, and practice of emergency contraception (EC) within marital relations in Egypt.MethodsThe present study was a pilot cross-sectional survey. Eligible participants were randomly selected from 4 governorates in Upper Egypt. A questionnaire was designed by the investigators and administered to an unselected sample of healthcare providers and potential users of EC. The questionnaire collected information in 4 domains: demographics; knowledge about EC; attitudes toward EC; and practice of EC in Egypt.ResultsIn total, 240 healthcare providers and 60 potential users of EC completed the questionnaire. Approximately 85% of healthcare providers and 30% of potential users had heard about EC. A similar proportion of study participants said that EC methods are needed. Only 32.7% of healthcare providers and very few potential users had actually used EC.ConclusionThere is a need for EC in Egypt. However, a big gap in knowledge leads to nonuse or incorrect use of EC and negative attitude toward it. If health service planners and policy makers could fill this gap, a considerable decline in the prevalence of unwanted pregnancy may be achieved by using EC.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health
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