Awareness, prior use, and intent to use emergency contraception among Montana women at the time of pregnancy testing.

Abstract

To identify factors associated with awareness of emergency contraception (EC), prior use of EC, and intent to use EC in the future among women at the time of pregnancy testing. A convenience sample of women presenting for pregnancy testing and being found to be pregnant in 38 primary health care facilities completed a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire. Information regarding demography, pregnancy intentions, use of any contraception, awareness of EC, prior use of EC, and intent to use EC in the future was collected. Of the 583 women that completed the questionnaire, 62% were aware of EC, 4% had previously used EC, and 13% considered using EC in the future. Women aware of EC were more likely to be white, have > or = 12 years of education, and report use of birth control prior to the current pregnancy. Younger women, those with < 12 years of education, and those not currently living with a partner were more likely to have previously used EC. Women who considered using EC in the future were more likely to be younger, non-white, have < 12 years of education, not currently living with a partner, and their usual source of care was a public clinic. Women who considered using EC in the future were also more likely to not want to be pregnant now or ever (21%) compared to women who wanted to be pregnant now or sooner (12%), or with those who were unsure of their current pregnancy (7%). Strategies need to be developed to increase the awareness of EC and determine the factors that would assist in enhancing its utilization.