An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives

Dilara Bayram Özgür; Somaya Muhtar

doi:10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1569116

An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives

Abstract

Background: Oral contraceptives (OCPs) and emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are essential components of reproductive healthcare; however, knowledge gaps and misconceptions among healthcare professionals can impact patient care. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between January and April 2024 with 74 participants, including pharmacists and pharmacy students. Data were analysed using SPSS-23 with descriptive and inferential statistics. Key variables included knowledge, attitudes, and dispensing practices related to OCPs and ECPs. Associations were evaluated using Chi-square tests, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and t-tests. Results: Most respondents were female (75.7%) and aged 18–29 years (85.1%). Confidence levels varied, with mean scores of 2.31±1.16 for identifying interaction potential with herbal supplements and 2.77±1.29 for educating patients on different contraceptive methods. Knowledge gaps were evident: 37.8% incorrectly identified or were unsure of the mechanism of action of ECPs, and 24.3% for OCPs. Females were more likely to communicate risks to patients. Variation was observed in routinely asking about smoking status (p=0.077) and informing patients about serious complications associated with OCP use (p=0.047). Additionally, 48.6% correctly identified the optimal timing for ECP administration. Overall confidence in understanding OCPs and ECPs was reflected in respective mean scores of 2.54±1.19 and 2.59±1.06. Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in knowledge and practice regarding contraceptive counselling, particularly on ECPs. Our study findings underscore the need for enhanced pharmacist education and continuous professional training. Reforming curricula and enhancing public health education could help bridge these gaps, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing misconceptions about contraceptive use.

Keywords

References

Al-Shami, K.M., Al^Ashwal, F.Y., Bitar, A.N., & Alshakhshir, S. (2023). Contraceptives knowledge and perception: A cross^sectional study among future pharmacists in Jordan. Open Access Journal of Contraception, 14, 159^167. https://doi.org/ 10.2147/OAJC.S431243 google scholar
Barakat, M., Al^Qudah, R., Akour, A., Abu^Asal, M., Thiab, S., & Dallal Bashi, Y.H. (2021). Knowledge and beliefs about the use/abuse of oral contraceptive pills among males: A mixed^method explanatory sequential study in community pharmacy settings. PLoS One, 16(5), e0251302. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0251302 google scholar
Bardaweel, S.K., Akour, A.A., & Kilani, M.V.Z. (2015). Current knowledge, attitude, and patterns of oral contraceptive utilization among women in Jordan. BMC Women's Health, 15(1), 117. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905^015^0275^1 google scholar
Blake, B.N., Bookbinder, S., Lazenby, G., Marshall, A., Weed, E., & Meglin, M. (2024). Knowledge of oral emergency contraception among pharmacy students. Women's Health Reports (New Rochelle), 5(1), 40^45. https://doi.org/10.1089/ whr.2023.0175 google scholar
Chahine, B., & Souheil, F.A. (2022). Oral contraceptives: Knowledge and counselling practices of Lebanese community pharmacists. International Journal of Phar^ macy Practice, 30(1), 45^51. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riab069 google scholar
Ebuehi, O.M., Ebuehi, O.A., & Inem, V. (2006). Health care providers' knowledge of, attitudes toward and provision of emergency contraceptives in Lagos, Nigeria. International Family Planning Perspectives, 32(2), 89^93. https://doi.org/10. 1363/3208906 google scholar
El^Awaisi, A., Koummich, S., Koraysh, S., & El Hajj, M.S. (2022). Patient safety education in entry to practice pharmacy programs: A systematic review. Journal of Patient Safety, 18(2), e373^e386. https://doi.org/10.1097/PTS.0000000000000818 google scholar
Failla, B., Vest, K., Lynch, S., Stewart^Lynch, A., Bolch, C.A., White, T., French, K., Scime, G., & Griffin, B.L. (2022). Impact of a hormonal contraceptive training program for pharmacists. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 62(4), 1287^1295.e4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2022.02.012 google scholar

Gbenoba, B.O., Aje, A.A. & Fakeye, T.O. (2025). Assessment of community pharmacists’ knowledge of emergency contraceptive pills, its dispensing and associated health risks with overuse in a Nigerian metropolitan City. Discover Public Health, 22(1), 682. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982^025^01078^4 google scholar
Harris, E., Melody, K., & Charneski, L. (2020). Student knowledge and confidence with prescribing hormonal contraception. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 12(6), 751^762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2020.01.031 google scholar
Hellerstedt, W.L., & Van Riper, K.K. (2005). Emergency contraceptive pills: Dispensing practices, knowledge and attitudes of South Dakota pharmacists. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 37(1), 19^24. https://doi.org/10.1363/psrh. 37.19.05 google scholar
Hilverding, A.T., & DiPietro Mager, N.A. (2017). Pharmacists’ attitudes regarding pro^ vision of sexual and reproductive health services. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 57(4), 493^497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2017.04. 464 google scholar
Hobbs, M.K., Taft, A.J., Amir, L.H., Stewart, K., Shelley, J.M., Smith, A.M., Chapman, C.B., & Hussainy, S.Y. (2011). Pharmacy access to the emergency contraceptive pill: A national survey of a random sample of Australian women. Contraception, 83(2), 151^8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2010.06.003 google scholar
Jelić, A.G., Tasić, L., Škrbić, R., Marinković, V., Šatara, S.S., Stojaković, N., Peković, V.M., & Godman, B. (2021). Pharmacists’ clinical knowledge and practice in the safe use of contraceptives: Real knowledge vs. self^perception and the implications. BMC Medical Education 21(1), 430. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909^021^02864^9 google scholar
Lio, I., Remines, J., Nadpara, P.A., & Goode, J.K.R. (2018). Pharmacists’ comfort level and knowledge about prescribing hormonal contraception in a supermarket chain pharmacy. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 58(4), 89^93.e1. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.japh.2018.05.005 google scholar
Mooney^Somers, J., Lau, A., Bateson, D., Richters, J., Stewart, M., Black, K., & Nothnagle, M. (2019). Enhancing the use of emergency contraceptive pills: A systematic review of women’s attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and experiences in Australia. Health Care for Women International, 40(2), 174^195. https://doi.org/10.1080/ 07399332.2018.1526286 google scholar
Navarrete, J., Hughes, C.A., Yuksel, N., Schindel, T.J., Yamamura, S., Terajima, T., Sri^ boonruang, T., Patikorn, C., & Anantachoti, P. (2023). Community pharmacists' experiences and attitudes towards the provision of sexual and reproductive health services: An international survey. Healthcare (Basel),11(11), 1530. https:// doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11111530 google scholar
Nguyen, T.T.X., Nguyen, T.T.Q., Le, L.H., & Dinh D.X. (2023). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward emergency contraceptive pills among community pharma^ cists and pharmacy customers: A cross^sectional study in urban Vietnam. Contraception, 128, 110275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110275 google scholar
Nona, R.A., Ray, R.A., Taylor, S.M., & Glass, B.D. (2025). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists providing over^the^counter emergency hormonal contraception: A scoping review. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 33(1), 6^18. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riae062 google scholar
Özer, N., Kılıçkap, M., Tokgözoğlu, L., Göksülük, H., Karaaslan, D., Kayıkçıoğlu, M., Yılmaz, M.B., Barçın, C., Abacı, A., & Şahin, M. (2018). Data on smoking in Turkey: Sys^ tematic review, meta^analysis and meta^regression of epidemiological studies on cardiovascular risk factors. Turkish Journal of Cardiology Archives, 46(7), 602^612. https://doi.org/10.5543/tkda.2018.85349 google scholar
Papineau, J.H., Newlon, J.L., Ades, R.S., Vernon, V., Wilkinson, T.A., Thoma, L.M., & Meredith, A.H. (2021). Evaluation of student pharmacists' attitudes and per^ ceptions of hormonal contraception prescribing in Indiana. Pharmacy (Basel), 9(4), 185. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy9040185 google scholar
Pfaff, A., & Rafie, S. (2020). Expanding pharmacy capacity for patient^centered reproductive health services. Pharmacy, 8(4), 236. https://doi.org/10.3390/ pharmacy8040236 google scholar
Rikard, R., Elliott, J., Dalton, E., & Stone, R.H. (2021). Pharmacist^prescribed hormonal contraception: Does didactic hormonal contraception education affect stu^ dent pharmacist perceptions of this professional activity? Pharmacy, 9(3), 145. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy9030145 google scholar
Shakya, S., Shrestha, S., Shrestha, R.K., Giri, U., & Shrestha, S. (2020). Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive pills among community pharmacy practitioners working in Kathmandu Valley: A cross^sectional study. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1), 699. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913^020^ 05543^5 google scholar
Singh, V., Thakur, P., Nayak, P.K., & Agrawal, S. (2014). Knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive pills among women of reproductive age group attending AIIMS OPD Raipur. International Journal of Advances in Medicine, 1(2), 105^112. https://doi.org/10.5455/2349^3933.ijam20140817 google scholar
Soon, J.A., Whelan, A.M., Yuksel, N., & Rafie, S. (2021). Enhancing access to contracep^ tion through pharmacist prescribing across Canada. Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 154(6), 356^362. https://doi.org/10.1177/17151635211034534 google scholar
Tilahun, D., Assefa, T., & Belachew, T. (2010). Knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency contraceptives among Adama University female students. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 20(3), 195^202. https://doi.org/10.4314/ ejhs.v20i3.69449 google scholar
Vanya, M., Matuz, M., Benko, R., Viola, R., Horvath^Sziklai, A., Soos, G., & Bartfai, G. (2017). Knowledge and opinion of pharmacists on emergency contraceptive pills in Hungary. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 39(3), 594^600. https:// doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.21392, google scholar
Whelan, A.M., Langille, D.B., & Hurst, E. (2013). Nova Scotia pharmacists' knowledge of, experiences with, and perception of factors interfering with their ability to provide emergency contraceptive pill consultations. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 21(5), 314^321. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpp.12017 google scholar

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Dilara Bayram Özgür ^*
0000-0001-7037-353X
Türkiye

Somaya Muhtar
0009-0000-3232-3814
Türkiye

Publication Date

January 14, 2026

Submission Date

October 17, 2024

Acceptance Date

June 8, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 55 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1569116

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA75CX92UX

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Bayram Özgür, D., & Muhtar, S. (2026). An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy, 55(3), 444-454. https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1569116

AMA

1.Bayram Özgür D, Muhtar S. An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives. iujp. 2026;55(3):444-454. doi:10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1569116

Chicago

Bayram Özgür, Dilara, and Somaya Muhtar. 2026. “An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives”. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy 55 (3): 444-54. https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1569116.

EndNote

Bayram Özgür D, Muhtar S (January 1, 2026) An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy 55 3 444–454.

IEEE

[1]D. Bayram Özgür and S. Muhtar, “An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives”, iujp, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 444–454, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1569116.

ISNAD

Bayram Özgür, Dilara - Muhtar, Somaya. “An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives”. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy 55/3 (January 1, 2026): 444-454. https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1569116.

JAMA

1.Bayram Özgür D, Muhtar S. An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives. iujp. 2026;55:444–454.

MLA

Bayram Özgür, Dilara, and Somaya Muhtar. “An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives”. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy, vol. 55, no. 3, Jan. 2026, pp. 444-5, doi:10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1569116.

Vancouver

1.Dilara Bayram Özgür, Somaya Muhtar. An Investigation into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students Regarding Oral and Emergency Contraceptives. iujp. 2026 Jan. 1;55(3):444-5. doi:10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2025.1569116