Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers to the Practice of Emergency Contraception Among Women with Induced Abortion in Sikkim

Abstract

Background: Contraceptive utilization is a practice that helps individuals or couples to avoid unwanted pregnancies. This study aimed to assess to explore the knowledge and practice of emergency contraception among women with induced abortion in Sikkim. Objective: To explore the knowledge, attitude, and barriers to the practice of emergency contraception among women with induced abortion in Sikkim. Methods: In this study, 280 women between the ages of 15 and 45 years who had a history of induced abortion participated. The research is conducted at Central Referral Hospital, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim to learn about attitudes about and obstacles to using emergency contraception among women who had induced abortions. Results: Out of the total, 78% of respondents have knowledge about unprotected intercourse or a failure of the contraceptive method, and 21.5% of respondents have no knowledge about it. 75% of respondents have a positive attitude, and 25% of respondents have a negative attitude. The participants experienced adverse reactions such as nausea/vomiting, and 53% of respondents experienced excessive bleeding. Conclusion: The present study concluded that information about EC is not sufficiently present among the women living in Sikkim. They lack information about the dosage of EC, usage timing as well as its impact. The awareness programs will help to educate the females more about contraceptives and to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.