Men's knowledge, attitude, and barriers towards emergency contraception: A facility based cross-sectional study at King Saud University Medical City.

BACKGROUND: Male partners have a considerable role in influencing women's contraceptive decision making to reduce the chance of unintended pregnancy. Most studies are focused on women's knowledge and barriers for emergency contraception (EC) use. There is limited research on this topic from the male perspective. This study aimed to gather baseline data on men's knowledge, attitudes and barriers about EC. METHODS: Descriptive analytic cross-sectional study was conducted from Dec 2019 -May 2020 at the King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH); a teaching facility with general and subspecialty medical services in King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured pretested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics and Chi square tests were used. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to find significant predictors for EC awareness and use. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 461 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate 86%). The majority (82%) of the participants were unaware of EC; with only 18% having some knowledge. Knowledgeable men had positive attitudes (73.5%) about EC as compared to non- knowledgeable ones (55.0%). Factors found to be associated with less knowledge of EC were cultural [0.46, 95%CI 0.22. 0.96] and religious unacceptability [OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.29, 0.89)]. Higher level of education [OR 1.83, 95%CI 0.94, 3.53] was associated with more knowledge regarding EC. The study showed that correct information about using contraceptives within 3 days of unprotected sex [OR 4.96, 95%CI 1.81, 13.60]; availability without prescription [OR 5.06, 95%CI 1.68, 15.30], EC advertisement [OR 4.84, 95%CI 0.96, 24.27] and receipt of information from family/friends [OR 18.50, 95%CI 5.19, 65.93] were factors that contributed to men using EC. CONCLUSION: The current knowledge of EC among men is limited. Social determinants affect these levels of knowledge, as well as the usage of EC. Factors that were associated with the use of ECPs were correct knowledge, advertisement, availability and receipt of information from family/friends. The findings highlight the need to educate men on this important topic to avoid unintended pregnancy, keeping in view cultural and social values. Future qualitative studies are needed to understand the male perspective.

Translating policy to practice: theory-based formative research to improve messaging and over-the-counter access to emergency contraception in Florence, Italy.

OBJECTIVES: Italy's 2015 emergency contraception (EC) policy made EC available without prescription for individuals aged 18 years and older; however, women living in Italy continue to face barriers to accessing EC. The purposes of this study were to understand EC knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among women living in Italy and explore the impact of the 2015 policy. METHODS: Researchers conducted 30 interviews with women living in Florence, Italy, aged 18-50 years and using the Italian health care system. Researchers used an expanded grounded theory approach to understand women's EC experiences, with diffusion of innovations (DOI) serving as a conceptual lens. Researchers completed open and axial coding to identify emerging themes. RESULTS: Participants had low awareness of the 2015 EC policy and suggested increased messaging in strategic locations to overcome this barrier. They held positive and negative attitudes towards EC: while some perceived the advantage of EC compared with unintended pregnancy, others expressed concerns about irresponsible behaviour and safety. Finally, conscientious objection impacted access, despite women's desire for autonomous EC decision making. CONCLUSION: The findings offer practical recommendations to guide EC messaging in Italy to increase women's access to EC. Recommendations include using theory- and audience-based methods to overcome gaps in policy knowledge and real and perceived barriers to EC access. Incorporating DOI as a theoretical framework with women's voices presents a novel opportunity to enhance policy and EC dissemination.

The inequity of conscientious objection: Refusal of emergency contraception.

In the medical field, conscientious objection is claimed by providers and pharmacists in an attempt to forgo administering select forms of sexual and reproductive healthcare services because they state it goes against their moral integrity. Such claim of conscientious objection may include refusing to administer emergency contraception to an individual with a medical need that is time-sensitive. Conscientious objection is first defined, and then a historical context is provided on the medical field's involvement with the issue. An explanation of emergency contraception's physiological effects is provided along with historical context of the use on emergency contraception in terms of United States Law. A comparison is given between the United States and other developed countries in regard to conscientious objection. Once an understanding of conscientious objection and emergency contraception is presented, arguments supporting and contradicting the claim are described. Opinions supporting conscientious objection include the support of moral integrity, religious diversity, and less regulation on government involvement in state law will be offered. Finally, arguments against the effects of conscientious objection with emergency contraception are explained in terms of financial implications and other repercussions for people in lower socioeconomic status groups, especially people of color. Although every clinician has the right and responsibility to treat according to their sense of responsibility or conscience, the ethical consequences of living by one's conscience are limiting and negatively impact underprivileged groups of people. It is the aim of this article to advocate against the use of provider's and pharmacist's right to claim conscientious objection due to the inequitable impact the practice has on people of color and individuals with lower incomes.

Knowledge and attitudes of Lebanese women of childbearing age towards emergency contraception.

Objectives: Unwanted pregnancy is sometimes associated with unsafe abortion, which may lead to maternal death. Pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse can be avoided by using emergency contraception (EC). Our study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of reproductive-aged Lebanese women towards EC use.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing randomly selected women aged between 15 and 49 years from the five major Lebanese governates. A pre-tested, pre-structured questionnaire was applied composed of three parts: (1) personal information, (2) knowledge about EC methods and (3) attitude towards EC.Results: We found that 78% of participants had never heard of EC. Among those who had heard of EC, only 29.3% had good knowledge about it. Knowledge about EC was not, however, associated with participants' sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., age, marital status, educational level and background, occupation and occupational field and area of residence). There was a positive attitude towards EC among 57.3% of participants. Attitudes were statistically associated with level of education, area of residence and whether the respondent had ever heard of EC.Conclusion: Most Lebanese women of childbearing age lack knowledge about EC. There is a need to raise public awareness of EC.

Does the knowledge of emergency contraception affect its use among high school adolescents?

This study aimed to test how knowledge on emergency contraception (according to age at sexual initiation, type of school, and knowing someone that has already used emergency contraception) influences the method's use. This was a cross-sectional study in a probabilistic sample of students 15-19 years of age enrolled in public and private middle schools in a medium-sized city in Southeast Brazil (n = 307). Data were collected in 2011 using a self-administered questionnaire. A structural equations model was used for the data analysis. Considering age at sexual initiation and type of school, knowledge of emergency contraception was not associated with its use, but knowing someone that had used the method showed a significant mean effect on use of emergency contraception. Peer group conversations on emergency contraception appear to have greater influence on use of the method than knowledge itself, economic status, or sexual experience.

Does the knowledge of emergency contraception affect its use among high school adolescents? / O conhecimento da contracepção de emergência afeta seu uso entre adolescentes do Ensino Médio do Brasil? / ¿El conocimiento de la contracepción de emergencia afecta a su uso entre adolescentes de enseñanza media en Brasil?

Abstract This study aimed to test how knowledge on emergency contraception (according to age at sexual initiation, type of school, and knowing someone that has already used emergency contraception) influences the method’s use. This was a cross-sectional study in a probabilistic sample of students 15-19 years of age enrolled in public and private middle schools in a medium-sized city in Southeast Brazil (n = 307). Data were collected in 2011 using a self-administered questionnaire. A structural equations model was used for the data analysis. Considering age at sexual initiation and type of school, knowledge of emergency contraception was not associated with its use, but knowing someone that had used the method showed a significant mean effect on use of emergency contraception. Peer group conversations on emergency contraception appear to have greater influence on use of the method than knowledge itself, economic status, or sexual experience.

Resumo O objetivo do trabalho foi testar como o conhecimento da anticoncepção de emergência, na presença da idade de iniciação sexual, tipo de escola e conhecer alguém que já usou a anticoncepção de emergência, influencia no uso deste método. Estudo transversal realizado com uma amostra probabilística com estudantes de 15-19 anos, matriculados no Ensino Médio de escolas públicas e privadas em uma cidade de porte médio do Sudeste do Brasil (n = 307). Os dados foram coletados em 2011, por meio de um questionário autoadministrado. Modelo de equações estruturais foi usado para análise de dados. Considerando a idade de iniciação sexual e o tipo de escola, o conhecimento da anticoncepção de emergência não foi associado com o seu uso, no entanto, conhecer alguém que já tinha usado o método mostrou um efeito médio significativo no uso da anticoncepção de emergência. Parece que as conversas a respeito do uso da anticoncepção de emergência nas relações sociais, como o grupo de pares, têm maior influência sobre a utilização do método do que o próprio conhecimento, situação econômica ou experiência sexual.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue probar cómo el conocimiento sobre la anticoncepción de emergencia, durante la edad de iniciación sexual, tipo de escuela y conocer a alguien que ya usó métodos anticonceptivos de emergencia, influencia en el uso de este método. Se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado con una muestra probabilística con estudiantes de 15-19 años matriculados en Enseñanza Media de escuelas públicas y privadas en una ciudad mediana del sudeste de Brasil (n = 307). Los datos se recogieron en 2011, a través de un cuestionario auto-administrado. Se usó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales para el análisis de datos. Considerando la edad de iniciación sexual, y el tipo de escuela, el conocimiento de la anticoncepción de emergencia no fue asociado con su uso, no obstante, conocer a alguien que ya había usado el método mostró un efecto medio significativo en el uso de métodos anticonceptivos de emergencia. Parece que las conversaciones, respecto al uso de la anticoncepción de emergencia en las relaciones sociales, como el grupo de parejas, tiene mayor influencia sobre la utilización del método que el propio conocimiento, situación económica o experiencia sexual.

"In rape cases we can use this pill": a multimethods assessment of emergency contraception knowledge, access, and needs on the Thailand-Burma border.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate availability, service delivery, and barriers to access to emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) along the Thailand-Burma border. METHODS: From June 2010 to May 2011 we undertook a multimethods qualitative assessment among cross-border populations, migrants, and refugees. We conducted 46 key informant interviews with representatives from 25 organizations, 18 focus group discussions with migrant adults, migrant adolescents, and healthcare workers, and a service mapping exercise with 22 stakeholders. RESULTS: We found low use of ECPs among the target populations. Structural barriers and lack of evidence-based reproductive health protocols, education, and information restrict access to the limited family planning resources available in this region. Misinformation about ECPs was widespread among health workers and organizational policies were often non-evidence based. CONCLUSION: Potential policy and program interventions to improve access to ECPs along the Thailand-Burma border include integrating evidence-based practices into community efforts, expanding training opportunities for health workers, and improving communication and coordination among organizations serving populations on both sides of the border.

Contraceptive use in Flanders (Belgium): A comparison between a general population sample and a Turkish ethnic minority sample.

OBJECTIVES: To identify contraceptive profiles, and factors affecting these, among women of childbearing age, living in Flanders. METHODS: The prevalence of knowledge and use of the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) and contraceptive use is assessed in two samples from the SEXPERT-survey 'Sexual health in Flanders': (i) a population-based sample (n = 724); and (ii) a probability sample of respondents of Turkish descent (n = 216). RESULTS: Knowledge, but not use, of the ECP is significantly lower among women from the ethnic minority sample, even after correction for income and educational background. A lower educational level is associated with less knowledge of the ECP in both samples. In the general population sample, 16% of sexually active women of childbearing age are at risk of an unplanned pregnancy, compared to 14% of their peers of Turkish origin. These rates are comparable, even after controlling for the different socio-economic status (income and educational level) in both samples. CONCLUSIONS: Contraceptive profiles of sexually active women of Turkish descent residing in Flanders are mostly similar to those of their counterparts in the general population. Further research is required to develop strategies to improve ECP-knowledge among women with lower educational achievements.

Use of and attitudes towards emergency contraception: a survey of women in five European countries.

OBJECTIVE: To identify knowledge of and attitudes towards emergency contraception (EC) in women from five European countries. METHODS: In an internet-based survey, sexually active women aged 16 to 46 years from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK were asked about their use of and opinions on EC. RESULTS: Overall, 7170 women completed the survey. Thirty percent reported having had unprotected sexual intercourse during the previous 12 months (population at risk). Twenty-four percent of the population at-risk reported using EC. The most common reasons given for not using EC were: not perceiving themselves to be at risk of pregnancy; and not thinking about EC as an option. A third of respondents indicated they did not know how EC works, with several misconceptions about EC noted e.g., leading to infertility, similar to abortion. Seventy-nine percent of women agreed that EC is a responsible choice to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but nearly a third of women who used EC felt uncomfortable or judged when obtaining it. CONCLUSIONS: EC is underutilised by three-quarters of the women surveyed. Women do not recognise they may be at risk of pregnancy when contraception fails. There are still several misbeliefs about EC indicating a need for better education of the public.

Awareness and attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills among young people in the entertainment places, Vientiane City, Lao PDR.

BACKGROUND: Emergency Contraception is not officially available to the public sector in Laos. The potential of emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies is well documented in developed countries, but in Laos no studies of ECPs exist. This study aimed to assess knowledge of and attitudes towards emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) in Vientiane, the capital city of the Lao PDR. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 young adults in entertainment venues by using the convenience sampling between May to July, 2007. Data were obtained through face-to-face interview. Participants were asked about socio- demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes related to ECPs, and source of information about ECPs. Data analysis was performed with chi-square test and logistic regression (p < .05). RESULTS: Only 22.4 percent of respondents had heard of ECPs and of these only 17.9 percent knew the correct time-frame for effective use. Most of the respondents (85%) agreed on the need for ECPs to be available in Laos and 66.8 percent stated that they would use them should the need arise, if they were available. Among those who said they would not use ECPs, 63.8 percent were concerned about possible health effects, or other side effects. Awareness of ECPs was associated with increasing age (OR = 2.78, p = .025) and male sex (OR = 2.91, p = .010). CONCLUSIONS: There is needed to provide effective health education about the method, timing of use, and how to obtain ECPs through both informal, peer channels, and also through formal channels such as health care providers.

Acceptability and use of emergency contraception among married women in Bangalore, India.

OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge, acceptability, and use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECs) among lower-income married women in Bangalore, India. METHODS: EC counseling and supplies were offered to 322 women aged 18-25 years participating in a longitudinal reproductive health study. Participants completed interviews at enrollment and were followed for 1 year. EC acceptability and use were assessed, and factors associated with use were identified. RESULTS: 206/320 (64.4%) participants did not desire pregnancy but only 46/321 (14.3%) used an intrauterine device or contraceptive pills. Only 25 (7.8%) had heard of ECs. Overall, 123 (38.2%) participants requested advance provisions of ECs after counseling. Over a year, 37/263 (14.1%) women used ECs, usually within 3 days of unprotected sex (33 [89.2%]), and 32 (86.5%) took both pills together or 1 day apart. Thirty-six (97.3%) felt glad and 31 (83.8%) were relieved after taking ECs. Twenty-five (67.6%) women who used ECs sought permission from their husbands. The only factor associated with EC use was couples' pregnancy intentions (odds ratio 4.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.43-15.58; P≤0.01). CONCLUSION: Indian women with access to ECs generally used them correctly and found them acceptable. Efforts to expand EC knowledge and access should be coupled with efforts to promote gender equality in the reproductive sphere.

Pregnancy, contraception and emergency contraception: the language of urban adolescent young women.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize how a group of urban adolescent females understands the domains of pregnancy, contraception, and emergency contraception (EC). DESIGN: We used the research strategy of freelisting as part of an in-depth interview study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Urban adolescent females presenting to a Pediatric Emergency Department. Participants were enrolled using a purposive sampling strategy if they were black, English-speaking females, 15-19 years old, who resided in 1 of 11 zip codes surrounding the hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Smith's saliency score. Freelists were analyzed for the entire sample, as well as for subgroups. RESULTS: Thirty adolescents completed the interview. We found that this group of adolescents uses different words to characterize the domains of pregnancy, contraception, and EC. The only overlapping salient term was "abortion," which appeared in the overall lists for pregnancy and EC and in the younger group's list for contraception. In addition, lack of knowledge was cited as an important factor related to contraception. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent patients may not fully understand the concepts of contraception and EC. Providers should consider the potential need to provide an explanation for terms used, and they should consider explicitly differentiating between routine forms of contraception and EC, as well as between EC and abortion.

Representations and uses of emergency contraception in West Africa. A social anthropological reading of a northern medicinal product.

Since the early 2000s a new form of progesterone based emergency contraception with no side effects has been on the African market, aimed at reducing contraceptive failure rates and the mortality associated with the practice of unsafe abortion. Studies of emergency contraception (EC) carried out in West Africa have only examined opinions and knowledge about EC. We hypothesized that representations and uses of this method takes place at the intersection of two dimensions: (i) a "Northern" pharmaceutical norm, and (ii) local understandings of the timing of conception. To test this hypothesis we used a discourse analysis of semi-structured interviews with 149 women and 77 with men aged between 18 and 40, of varying marital, social and professional status, resident in Dakar, Ouagadougou and Accra. The interviews were conducted in 2005-2007. EC is overwhelmingly perceived as a Northern medical treatment which encourages greater sexual freedom for women. Many respondents, both male and female, believe that EC is a "chemical" product that may cause sterility, and there is severe questioning of its supposed abortifacient character. EC is being used as recommended by the medical profession - in an occasional manner and in cases of urgent need; but it is also being used, like other post-coital methods which women have long employed, in a programmed and repeated manner. On the one hand the social issue raised by EC, namely the weakening of control by men of the sexuality and fertility of women, may be an obstacle to its diffusion. On the other hand, it may in the end be viewed as simply another post-coital method, whose use is framed by the prevailing systems of temporal representations in the three countries concerned in the study.

The role of pharmacists and emergency contraception: Are pharmacists' perceptions of emergency contraception predictive of their dispensing practices?

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists can play a critical role in the access to emergency contraception (EC). We assessed if knowledge and attitudes were predictive of EC dispensing among a statewide sample of Florida pharmacists, who have legal authority to refuse to dispense medications. STUDY DESIGN: In 2008, surveys were mailed to a random sample of 1264 pharmacists registered with the Florida Board of Pharmacy. Data from 272 pharmacists (22% response rate) were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Fifty-six percent of respondents incorrectly answered that EC causes birth defects, and 46% replied that it causes abortion. Only 22% said that EC can be purchased in advance of need. Many felt uncomfortable dispensing to adolescents (61%) and men (58%). Knowledge about EC was the most important predictor of dispensing [odds ratio (OR)=1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.03]. In particular, pharmacists who reported that EC does not act as an abortifacient were more likely to dispense it (OR=4.64, 95% CI 2.15-10.00). CONCLUSIONS: Correct information about EC was the most important predictor of pharmacists' dispensing EC. To expand availability of EC, pharmacists will have to become better informed.

A qualitative exploration of emergency contraception users' willingness to select the copper IUD.

BACKGROUND: The copper T intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective but underutilized method of emergency contraception (EC). This study investigates the factors influencing a woman's decision around which method of EC to select. STUDY DESIGN: In-depth interviews with 14 IUD and 14 oral EC users aged 18-30 years accessing public health clinics. RESULTS: Emergency contraception users associated long-term methods of contraception with long-term sexual relationships. Women were not aware of the possibility of using the copper IUD for EC. Cost was identified as a major barrier to accessing IUDs. Perceived side effects and impact on future pregnancies further influenced the EC method a participant selected. CONCLUSIONS: Women think about contraception in the context of each separate relationship and not as a long-term individual plan. Most women were unaware of the copper IUD for EC. Furthermore, there is little discussion between women and their health-care providers around EC.

A study of the use of Primolut N tablet as a contraceptive in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana.

This study investigated the use of Primolut N tablet which contains norethisterone 5mg popularly called N-tablet by users as a pre-coital contraceptive by women in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Clients who called at any of the twenty (20) selected Pharmacies in residential areas within the Kumasi metropolis demanding the drug, with or without valid prescriptions were interviewed using a guide. Of the two hundred and twenty (220) users interviewed, 94% demanded the drug for contraception and 6% for menstrual disorders. Sixty one percent of those demanding it for contraception were between the ages 20-25 years. Respondents preferred the use of norethisterone tablets as a contraceptive to other methods because it worked for them and they also found it easy and convenient taking a tablet just before coitus than taking daily oral contraceptive pills. Norethisterone is being used as a pre-coital contraceptive, though the efficacy, safety and reliability of the drug for that purpose is unknown. Until these are known, women must be discouraged from using the drug.

Adolescents and emergency contraception: update 2011.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents the most up-to-date information regarding available methods, safety, efficacy, and availability of emergency contraception for adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent reanalysis suggests that previously reported efficacy rates for the levonorgestrel-only method emergency contraception were probably overestimated. A newer and more efficacious method of emergency contraception, ulipristal acetate, was FDA approved in August 2010. SUMMARY: Emergency contraception provides young women with an opportunity to prevent pregnancy in the event of unprotected sexual intercourse. Several dedicated products are available commercially in the USA with varying efficacy rates. Barriers, including cost and accessing emergency contraception within the designated time frame, often prevent use among young women.

A survey of women obtaining emergency contraception: are they interested in using the copper IUD?

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine if women presenting for emergency contraception (EC) at family planning clinics may be interested in using the copper intrauterine device (IUD) for EC. STUDY DESIGN: This convenience sample survey was offered to women who presented for EC at four participating clinics in urban Utah. Anonymous written questionnaires were distributed. The outcome variable of interest was interest in using the copper IUD for EC. RESULTS: Of survey respondents, 320 (34.0%) of 941 said they would be interested in an EC method that was long term, highly effective and reversible. Interested women were not significantly different from noninterested women in relation to age, marital status, education, household income, gravidity, previous abortions, previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or relationship status. One hundred twenty women (37.5% of those interested or 12.8% of all those surveyed) would wait an hour, undergo a pelvic exam to get the method and would still want the method knowing it was an IUD. However, only 12.3% of these women could also pay $350 or more for the device. Multivariable regression found the following predictors of interest in the IUD among EC users: non-Hispanic minorities (OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.14-3.93), desire to never be pregnant in the future (OR=2.87, 95% CI=1.38-5.66) and interest in adoption (OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.00-5.73) or abortion (OR=2.68, 95% CI=1.24-4.14) if pregnant when presenting for EC. CONCLUSION: While one third of EC users surveyed at family planning clinics were interested in a long-term, highly effective method of contraception, only a small portion of all EC users may be interested in the copper IUD for EC. Cost is a potential barrier.

Is repeat use of emergency contraception common among pharmacy clients? Evidence from Kenya.

BACKGROUND: As emergency contraception (EC) becomes more widely available in African pharmacies, public concern in many countries has emerged over perceived "repeat use" of the method. This study examines issues of repeat use in Kenya, a country where women almost exclusively obtain EC from pharmacies. STUDY DESIGN: Interviews were conducted with all clients who purchased EC from private pharmacies located in five urban areas across Kenya. Over a period of 5 days, a total of 182 male and female EC purchasers were interviewed. χ(2) tests were used to determine the statistical significance of differences between repeat and nonrepeat users. RESULTS: The majority (58%) of respondents had purchased EC at least twice in the past 1 month. All women interviewed reported purchasing EC a mean of 3.8 times in the 6 months prior to the survey. Those who purchased EC at least twice in the past 1 month were significantly more likely to hold misperceptions about EC's efficacy or side effects. Two thirds of all users reported having a chance to ask questions at the pharmacy, although one quarter felt that they did not receive adequate information. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that many of the women surveyed, particularly those who had sex on an infrequent basis, chose to use EC as a regular family planning method. Among these women, it also indicates the need for better information on EC's efficacy and side effects. Such information-sharing could take place within pharmacies, although interventions must not undermine the core benefits of pharmacy access: convenience and confidentiality.

Cultural adaptation among Hispanic women as related to awareness and acquisition of emergency contraception.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to examine the relationship between cultural adaptation (acculturation), contraceptive use, personal history of induced abortion, and emergency contraceptive (EC) awareness and acquisition among a sample of young sexually active Hispanic women. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 959 Hispanic women between 16 and 24 years of age (mean±SD 20.71±2.42 years) completed a survey containing questions on EC acquisition and awareness, acculturation, contraceptive used at last intercourse and history of induced abortion. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Acculturation (p=.017), income (p=.024) and education (p<.001) were positively associated with awareness of EC. Additionally, acculturation (p=.003) and a history of an induced abortion (p=.026) were positively associated with acquisition of EC. CONCLUSIONS: Educational programs should make an effort to include Hispanic women with lower acculturation levels as increasing their knowledge about EC use and its mechanism of action may greatly reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies in this population.