Emergency Contraception: Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Among Women in Philadelphia

Karina Linares

doi:10.17918/etd-3938

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Thesis

Emergency Contraception: Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Among Women in Philadelphia

Karina Linares

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Drexel University

03 Dec 2012

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3938

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Abstract

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Public Health

Background: Emergency contraceptive pills, or ECP, are proven to be a safe and effective method of preventing unintended pregnancy. However, use of the method is low. With 3 million unintended pregnancies in the U.S. each year, factors affecting ECP use, including awareness and knowledge, should be explored to increase usage. Objectives: 1) To assess the levels of awareness, knowledge, and use of ECP among the study population; and 2) to determine the significant demographic characteristics that play a role in ECP awareness, use, and knowledge. Methods: An anonymous 20-question survey was completed by (n=157) adult female visitors of two Philadelphia Planned Parenthood health centers. The survey was designed to collect basic demographic information and to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs towards ECP. Chi-square analyses, Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression were used to examine factors that may predict ECP awareness, use, and knowledge. Results: The majority of women (83.44%) expressed awareness of ECP. Women with some college education or greater were more likely to be aware of ECP than those with lower education levels. Women younger than 35 were more likely to have used ECP than those older than 35, as well as women who have had previous pregnancies. Contraceptive use was also associated with previous ECP use. For ECP knowledge, prior ECP use was a significant predictor. Conclusion: Although awareness of ECP is high, use and knowledge still vary in several population groups. More effort is needed to raise overall knowledge of ECP to those groups at risk of unintended pregnancy.

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Title: Emergency Contraception
Creators: Karina Linares - DU
Contributors: Alison A. Evans (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
Awarding Institution: Drexel University
Degree Awarded: Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Publisher: Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Resource Type: Thesis
Language: English
Academic Unit: School of Public Health (2002-2015); Drexel University
Other Identifier: 3938; 991014632722704721

Emergency Contraception: Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Among Women in Philadelphia

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