Knowledge and Attitude of Emergency Contraception among Medical Undergraduate Students in Northern India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Knowledge, awareness and accessibility of emergency contraception (EC) is still lacking. Medical students are the pillars of the future healthcare system. If their knowledge is lacking, we can think that what would be the awareness of the rest of the country. In India, knowledge and awareness of undergraduate students are not been adequately studied till now. Keeping this in mind, the present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of EC among medical undergraduate students. Objective To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of EC among medical undergraduate students. Materials and methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted among medical Interns of SN Medical College, Agra. One hundred and fifty students were randomly selected at a general meeting in the campus after a written and informed consent. A predesigned and structured questionnaire was used for collecting information and was completed by the students. Results The mean age of the respondents was 24 years. Out of which 40% were females and 60% were males. Only, 34.6% said that ECs should be taken after missed pills. Only 40% indicated use of EC after condom breakage and about more than two-third (72%) said it should be used after rape. Knowledge regarding correct time for taking emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) after unprotected sex was present in 118 (78%). A total of 68.7% did not know that ECs were more effective the sooner they were taken. A total of 70 (44.5%) incorrectly said that they were equally effective as traditional methods of contraception. A total of 30% had no knowledge of its mechanism of action about 5% students were not aware of the doses of EC required. Only two-third students were aware of the fact that high dose of E+P is a method of EC. And, only 70% correctly defined timeframe of use of copper intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). Seventy-four percent students said that apart from formal education, media and internet helped them know about EC. Twenty-six percent additionally said that communication with friends added to their knowledge of ECs. Only, 54 (36%) were aware of the fact that ECs are available free of cost at government hospital. Regarding attitude questions about one-third had the wrong concept that ECs use will leads to more promiscuity, ultimately leading to increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and even human immunodeficiency virus/infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Seventy-two percent believed that some women will use it more frequently instead of regular contraception. About one half students believed that it may result in complication in future pregnancies or have a negative impact on fertility. About 30% did not want to use ECPs for fear of side effects. Only two-third of participants will recommend to friend/relative in case of need. One hundred and eight (72%) discourage its distribution by paramedical staff. Seventy-two percent said that they should be available without prescription. Thirty-two (22%) did not want to use ECP for fear of side effects. There is a need to improve both education and attitude to use EC with emphasis on available methods and correct timing of use. Therefore, emphasis should be given to contraception in medical teaching. Educating medical community will be at large benefit to the population as a whole. Emergency contraceptives should be easily accessible in hospitals and pharmacies with reduced costs. How to cite this article Garg R, Verma U, Agrawal P, Singh R, Rani R. Knowledge and Attitude of Emergency Contraception among Medical Undergraduate Students in Northern India. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(1):25-28.