A Descriptive Analysis of Emergency Contraception Familiarity in Postpartum People [ID: 1377163

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ensuring access to emergency contraception (EC) is a fundamental component of comprehensive contraceptive counseling and reproductive health care. Despite this, little is known about familiarity with EC in postpartum people, a population motivated to prevent pregnancy in part because of the risk of short interpregnancy interval. This study aims to assess familiarity with EC in postpartum people. METHODS: After IRB approval, 76 participants choosing a lower-efficacy method of postpartum contraception were recruited from a large urban hospital on postpartum day 1. Most participants were between the ages of 25 and 34, married, employed, and have had multiple pregnancies. Familiarity with EC and reproductive health were assessed via surveys after attaining patient consent. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Nearly all participants (91%) had heard of EC before. A minority of participants (18%) have brought up EC with a health care professional, while approximately half (46%) reported a health care professional bringing up EC with them. Most participants (75%) reported being at least somewhat likely to take EC if they wanted to prevent pregnancy. One-third of participants reported prior use of EC, while nearly half of participants (42%) reported having at least one unplanned pregnancy. CONCLUSION: A majority of participants were aware of and willing to use EC despite a minority of participants having discussed the option with a health care professional. For all patients but especially those who select a lower-efficacy postpartum contraceptive method, health care providers can supplement reproductive choice and reduce the risk of short interpregnancy interval through comprehensive counseling on when and how to use EC.