Educational Intervention Among Adolescents and Young Adults on Emergency Contraception Options.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Emergency contraception (EC), the 'last chance' contraceptive method, has gained significance post-Roe, but most young people do not know their options. METHODS: We conducted an educational intervention on EC among 1,053 students aged 18-25 years. We assessed changes in knowledge of key aspects of EC using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: At baseline, virtually no one was aware of the intrauterine device for EC (4%), but postintervention, 89% correctly identified intrauterine devices as the most effective EC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 116.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 62.4, 217.8). Knowledge that levonorgestrel pills could be accessed without a prescription grew (60%-90%; aOR = 9.7, 95% CI 6.7-14.0), as did knowledge that pills work best when taken as soon as possible (75%-95%; aOR = 9.6, 95% CI 6.1-14.9). Multivariate results showed adolescent and young adult participants absorbed these key concepts across age, gender, and sexual orientation. DISCUSSION: Timely interventions are needed to empower youth with knowledge of EC options.