Knowledge of emergency contraception among women seeking abortion services at tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra

Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 7

Abstract

Background: A safe, effective, and handy method to prevent unplanned pregnancy is available in the form of emergency contraception (EC). By timely and judicious use of EC, 75–85% of the unplanned pregnancies and thereby unsafe abortions can be prevented. It can also play a very important role in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Knowledge about EC is usually very limited and that too, misleading. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and factors affecting the knowledge of EC among the abortion seekers. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted among the women requesting an induced abortion at medical termination of pregnancy center in a tertiary care hospital over 2 months (May–June, 2016). Data were collected with the help of a preformed and pre-structured questionnaire which a total of 104 cases were enrolled in the study. The data were tabulated and analyzed using Epi Info and MS Excel. Results: Majority of the subjects 66.3% had knowledge of contraception, while 39.4% ever used one or the other method of contraception, most commonly used method was condom; 34 (32.7%) had knowledge of EC, of which 6 (5.8%) had good knowledge. Factors such as women belonging to urban area, education, socioeconomic status, and knowledge of contraception and ever used contraceptive were highly significantly associated with knowledge. Conclusions: This study showed that overall knowledge of EC was poor and that media or the health-care professionals are not providing adequate knowledge of this method. Thus, it is important to improve the knowledge of EC with the help of media, medical or paramedical workers, and NGOs working in the field of health.

Authors and Affiliations

Rajesh N Lakde, Malangori Abdulgani Parande, Prachi S Wakankar

Keywords

Related Articles

Evolution and determinants of sustainability of journal club in Nigerian postgraduate medical training institutions

Journal club is a veritable medium for knowledge creation especially at the postgraduate-level training in different fields of human endeavor. There are very few successful journal clubs unlike many postgraduate medica...

Quality of life assessment for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Mecca region  

 Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by production of abnormal hemoglobin S and is related to high morbidity and mortality. It also affects the quality of life (Q...

A study on prevalence of tobacco consumption among school students studying from fifth to eighth standards and assessment of their risk behavior by studying their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding tobacco consumption in Ahmedabad city, Gujarat, India

Background: Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) represented that the prevalence of tobacco by adolescents was around 19% in Gujarat. It shows the alarming statistics of tobacco use by adolescents. Objective: (1) To...

A cross-sectional study of postnatal coverage and contraceptive use in Bhadravati Taluk, Shimoga, Karnataka, India

Background: To reduce maternal and infant mortality, postnatal care and contraception services have to be provided at the home and community levels, institutions where delivery takes place, and again at home after di...

Radiation exposure and immunity status of radiographers at government hospitals

Background: Long-term exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation may affect cells, tissues, and body systems and result in various adverse health effects. Immunity system is known to be highly radiosensitive; therefore...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP482796
  • DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2018.0206922032018
  • Views 97
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Rajesh N Lakde, Malangori Abdulgani Parande, Prachi S Wakankar (2018). Knowledge of emergency contraception among women seeking abortion services at tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra. International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health, 7(7), 507-513. https://www.europub.co.uk/articles/-A-482796