Factors associated with knowledge and use of the emergency contraceptive pill among ever-married women of reproductive age in Bangladesh: findings from a nationwide cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objectives The study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with knowledge and use of the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) among ever-married women in Bangladesh. Methods The study was based on a secondary dataset of the 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Complete (weighted) data of 17,592 women aged 15–49 years were analysed. Results The prevalence of having knowledge and use of the ECP among ever-married women in Bangladesh was 13.6% and 1.8%, respectively. Administrative region and type of residence (urban or rural), household wealth index, educational level (of both the woman and her spouse), spouse’s occupation, number of living children, weight, current use of contraception and a history of pregnancy termination were positively associated with knowledge and use of the ECP. Conclusion A large proportion of Bangladeshi women of reproductive age had a lack of knowledge and use of the ECP. Nationwide reproductive health education programmes may improve the situation.