Assessment of Reproductive Age Women Health Related Behavior Regarding Emergency Contraception Methods

Abstract

Background: Emergency contraception has been available and registered for a long time in Egypt and some other Middle Eastern countries, it is still relatively unknown and is discussed controversially in such countries, and the problem of unintended pregnancy still exists. Aim of the study: was to assess reproductive age women health related behavior regarding emergency contraceptive methods. Subjects and Method: Research design: Descriptive study. Setting: The study was conducted at the family planning unit of the outpatient clinic of Zagazig university hospitals. Subjects: A convenient sample included 310 women. Tools of data collection: A structured interview questionnaire which entailed two parts: General characteristics and women health related behavior regarding emergency contraceptive methods. Results: Small percentage of the studied women previously used emergency contraception and agreed that emergency contraceptive methods pills can't be used as ongoing long term contraception. Less than one fifth of the studied women had the intention to seek emergency contraceptive methods if the woman has unprotected sex. Less than one fifth agreed that emergency contraceptive pills (Contraplan II) are available in pharmacies with easy access and affordable cost. Less than one fifth agreed that there is no religious rejection of emergency contraception and agreed that the dose should be repeated if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of emergency contraceptive pills intake. Almost one fifth agreed that breast feeding should be discontinued for few days with some types of emergency contraceptive pills as it are expressed in breast milk. Conclusion: almost one third of the studied women had positive behavior regarding emergency contraception. Recommendations: Provision of verbal knowledge or in the form of guidelines& brochures to women attending different family planning and maternal & child health centers about emergency contraception and its availability and cost effectiveness; as this will improve health related behavior regarding it.