Emergency Contraception Knowledge and Associated Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age

Öz

Objective Emergency contraception is an effective method for preventing unintended pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse. However, awareness and knowledge regarding emergency contraception remain limited in many regions. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge about emergency contraception and the associated factors among women of reproductive age. Material and Method This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 women aged 18–45 years who applied to the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic of a tertiary-level university hospital. The dependent variable was awareness of emergency contraception. Sociodemographic, biodemographic, and socioeconomic characteristics were evaluated as independent variables. Chi-square tests were used for group comparisons, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with lack of awareness. Results The mean age of the participants was 33.3 ± 2.21 years. Overall, 32.2% of the women reported that they had heard about emergency contraception. Logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of not knowing about emergency contraception was higher among women using traditional contraceptive methods (OR = 1.479), women without formal education (OR = 23.407), women who perceived their household income as insufficient (OR = 1.650), and unemployed women (OR = 1.957). Conclusion Awareness of emergency contraception among women of reproductive age was found to be limited. Educational interventions and public health strategies targeting women with lower educational and socioeconomic status may help increase awareness and contribute to the prevention of unintended pregnancies.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Emergency contraception
• unintended pregnancy
• reproductive age
• contraception knowledge

Destekleyen Kurum

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or nonfor- profit sectors.

Etik Beyan

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Local Ethics Committee (28.06.2022, number 80576354- 050-99). Written and verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Kaynakça

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