KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND EXPERIENCE OF UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS TOWARDS EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS [ECP] IN WEST GUJARAT

Abstract

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) is on-demand contraception that has the potential to avoid millions of unintended pregnancies. The understanding and awareness of young doctors towards EC, who may be the society's rst point of contact, has not been thoroughly researched. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the information and awareness of young doctors at a teaching institute in West India. Methodology: This cross sectional, questionnaire based study took place in a medical college in west India. Participants were undergraduate medical students who were given a pre-designed self administered 22 items questionnaire and data was collected. Observation: In our study, majority of students (98%) were aware of ECPs but only 29% knew the mechanism of action of the pill. More than 70% students had knowledge about UPT, USG, prescription, efcacy in relation to ECP. 90% students had positive attitude towards it. Students had moderate knowledge about Conclusion: ECPs but the usage is very low. Students should be educated about emergency contraception, with a focus on indication, usage, side effects of ECPs since they are bridge between the general population and healthcare