Use Of Emergency Contraceptive Pills Research Articles

Changes in use of emergency contraceptive pills in the United States from 2008 to 2015

ObjectivesTo describe changes in use and receipt of emergency contraceptive (EC) pills among women in the United States during a period of key EC policy changes, from 2008 to 2015. Study designUsing data from the 2006 to 2010 and 2013 to 2017 National Surveys of Family Growth, we present changes in the percent of women who ever used EC between 2008 and 2015 by select sociodemographic and sexual and reproductive health characteristics, and we examine multivariable relationships of these characteristics with EC ever use in 2015. We also examine changes in repeat EC use, receipt of EC counseling, reasons for EC use and source of EC between the time periods. ResultsAmong sexually experienced women ages 15 to 44, EC ever use increased from 11% in 2008 to 23% in 2015 overall and among nearly all groups of women. In 2015, age 20 to 29, non-Hispanic other or Hispanic race, at least a high school education, working part-time, income at least 100% of the federal poverty level, ever having been married, and having received EC counseling in the prior year all represent characteristics associated with higher odds of having ever used EC. In 2015, a smaller share of women last obtained EC with a prescription or at a health facility than in 2008. ConclusionsIncreases in EC use occurred as access to EC was broadened through regulatory changes that moved some forms of EC from behind-the-counter to fully over-the-counter between 2008 and 2015. ImplicationsOver-the-counter provision of many forms of EC pills may have increased access and introduced more flexibility in how EC is obtained, but these changes may have come with tradeoffs, both in the form of cost barriers and decreased opportunities for clinicians to discuss EC with their patients. Despite improved access to contraception more broadly through the Affordable Care Act, EC remains a necessary component of the overall contraceptive method mix, and clinicians can play a key role in discussing EC as one option among many during contraceptive counseling sessions.

Knowledge and Use of Emergency Contraceptive Pills among Bachelor's Level Female Students of Kathmandu Valley

Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is used for preventing pregnancy after having unprotected sexual intercourse, contraceptive failure or forced sex. The use of ECP within 120 hours of sexual intercourse could prevent unwanted pregnancy and its adverse effects particularly unintended childbirth and unsafe abortion. The study, therefore, aimed to assess knowledge and use of emergency contraceptives among Bachelors level female students from Kathmandu Valley. A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken from August to November 2017 among 347 female students who were studying at the Bachelors's level. A random sampling technique was used to select study participants and a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and use of ECP after securing informed consent. Epi data and SPSS version 22 were used for data processing and analysis. The mean age of the female students was 21.5 years. Overall, 91.4% of the respondents had ever heard about emergency contraceptives. The main sources of information were radio or television, the internet and newspapers. About 4.6% of the undergraduate female students used ECP. Age, marital status, use of contraceptives and knowledge of ECP used within 72 hours were significantly associated with use of ECP. Although the findings of this study showed a high prevalence of knowledge among respondents, the improvement of female students’ knowledge on specific details of ECP and its advantages/disadvantages and timely utilization needs to be considered for any future awareness programmes.

Critical ethnographic respect: womens’ narratives, material conditions, and emergency contraception in India

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) are increasingly available over the counter as a form of hormonal birth control in India. As use of ECPs is increasing over time, this paper draws on ethnographic research in Dehradun, in Uttarakhand (Northern State) to highlight the everyday material conditions under which women create narrative around choice and agency regarding these ECPs. Women viewed ECPs as better options than abortion, appreciated the sense of empowerment these provided them because they could be consumed in houses where women had limited ‘space and privacy;’ and finally that ECPs and their advertisements could act as ‘agents of social change.’ Feminist scholarship on reproduction demonstrates that choice is a form of agency that is enacted within certain constraints. Using this framework, the research here highlights how women create narratives about ideas of contraceptive choice and notions of ‘empowerment’ when talking about ECPs and their advertisements. In revisiting the dilemma about women’s agency and choice, this paper builds on Rosalind Gill’s concept of ‘critical respect’ to propose ‘critical ethnographic respect’ as an ethnographic tool to help read women’s responses and respectfully contextualise the materiality from within which these narratives emerge.

Use of the emergency contraceptive pill in university students from Tunja, Boyaca

Background: The objective of this study was to asses frequency of employ, as well, as the level of knowledge of post-coital contraception in young female university students, living at the municipality of Tunja, Colombia.
 Methods: Descriptive, observational cross-sectional study. A sample of 615 students from two universities, public one and private the other, answered a survey about knowledge, sexual practices and the use of contraceptive methods, including the emergency contraceptive pill.
 Results: Mean age 21.18 years; Mean age of onset of sexuality 16.5 years; 59.7% had a stable partner; 69.6% answered that they had taken emergency contraception pill at least once in their life and 36.4% reported a frequency equal or greater than twice a year, while 17.5% considered it as a contraceptive method of habitual employment.
 Conclusions: Although the use of mechanical barrier methods as a method of contraception is not the objective of this study, we found that the condom is still the most commonly used contraceptive method by university students, but not used permanently or regularly. There is a high percentage of employment of emergency contraception pill, even with repetitive uses in short time periods. There is a high degree of conviction among young users about the contraceptive safety of the use of emergency contraception pill.

Emergency contraceptive pill use among women in Denmark, Norway and Sweden: Population-based survey.

Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) use is reported to have increased in several countries over time. In this multi-country population-based questionnaire study, we aimed to describe the patterns of ECP use and identify factors associated with its use. In 2011-2012, women aged 18-45 years were randomly selected from national registers in Denmark, Norway and Sweden and invited to respond to questions related to lifestyle and contraceptive use. We used generalized logistic models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing women who had used ECP with women who had never used ECP. Of the 45 445 women, 33.9% (Denmark = 32.3%, Norway = 35.1%, Sweden = 34.6%) had used ECP at least once in their lifetime. Among ECP users, 15.8% had used ECP within the last year and 50.0% had used ECP more than once in their life. After adjusting for country, age at response and response type, ECP use was associated with higher education (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.54-2.84) and being single, divorced or widowed (OR 3.17, 95% CI 2.87-3.49). Binge drinking and smoking increased the odds of ECP use. Furthermore, early age at first intercourse (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08-1.55), having a new partner in the last 6 months (≥3 partners: OR 6.44, 95% CI 5.46-7.60) and lack of condom use with a recent new partner (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22-1.66) were found to be associated with ECP use. Our study shows that ECP use is common among Scandinavian women. Higher education and being single were associated with increased odds of ECP use. Risk behaviors such as smoking and early age at first sex were also associated with increased odds of ECP use. Since ECP use is not protective against sexually transmitted infections, our findings highlight the need to encourage awareness and regular use of condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases in women.

Exploring young women\u2019s reasons for adopting intrauterine or oral emergency contraception in the United States: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe recent focus on increasing access to long-acting reversible contraceptive methods has often overlooked the diverse reasons why women may choose less effective methods even when significant access barriers have been removed. While the copper intrauterine device (IUD) is considered an acceptable alternative to emergency contraception pills (ECPs), it is unclear to what extent low rates of provision and use are due to patient preferences versus structural access barriers. This study explores factors that influence patients’ choice between ECPs and the copper IUD as EC, including prior experiences with contraception and attitudes toward EC methods, in settings where both options are available at no cost.MethodsWe telephone-interviewed 17 patients seeking EC from three San Francisco Bay Area youth-serving clinics that offered the IUD as EC and ECPs as standard practice, regarding their experiences choosing an EC method. We thematically coded all interview transcripts, then summarized the themes related to reasons for choosing ECPs or the IUD as EC.ResultsTen participants left their EC visit with ECPs and seven with the IUD as EC option. Women chose ECPs because they were familiar and easily accessible. Reasons for not adopting the copper IUD included having had prior negative experiences with the IUD, concerns about its side effects and the placement procedure, and lack of awareness about the copper IUD. Women who chose the IUD as EC did so primarily because of its long-term efficacy, invisibility, lack of hormones, longer window of post-coital utility, and a desire to not rely on ECPs. Women who chose the IUD as EC had not had prior negative experiences with the IUD, had already been interested in the IUD, and were ready and able to have it placed that day.ConclusionsThis study highlights that women have varied and well-considered reasons for choosing each EC method. Both ECPs and the copper IUD are important and acceptable EC options, each with their own features offering benefits to patients. Efforts to destigmatize repeated use of ECPs and validate women’s choice of either EC method are needed to support women in their EC method decision-making.

The use of emergency contraceptive pills in India: A meta-analysis.

Unplanned pregnancies are a major public health concern. In India, 33% of an estimated 48.1 million pregnancies end in induced abortions. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) can prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse, have been part of India's family planning program since 2002-2003 and are available as over-the-counter drugs. While there are concerns about the overuse of ECPs, the pattern of use of ECPs in India is unknown. The objective is to determine the proportion of women who have ever used ECPs and repeatedly used ECPs and also to assess the reasons for use and nonuse of EC pills along with factors associated with the use. A systematic review of ECP use in India was conducted by electronically searching three databases-PubMed, Popline, and Google Scholar. All studies were published between 2001 and 2017, and the electronic search was last conducted in July 2018. The proportion of use was calculated using meta-analysis, and the other factors were assessed by narratively synthesizing the findings. Thirty-three articles met the inclusion criteria. The pooled proportion of women who ever used ECPs was 6% (95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.10). The proportion of repeat use ranged from 12% to 69%. Five studies reported reasons for not using ECPs, and the most common reasons were religious/cultural beliefs followed by fear of side effects and inadequate knowledge. Studies to understand sociodemographic and other factors affecting the use of ECPs in India are lacking. There are significant concerns about the quality of the studies. The definition of repeat use of ECPs is inconsistent across papers. Furthermore, judgmental attitudes of health-care providers were apparent in some papers. The review highlights important research and program gaps.

Rising Trends in Ectopic Pregnancy during COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Introduction Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has spread at an exponential rate in several countries. Whereas understanding of clinical consequences, prevention, and management of COVID-19 is increasing, little is known about the collateral damage caused by it. It is noteworthy that ectopic pregnancies contributed to significant obstetric emergencies in the COVID-19 pandemic and sensitized the caregivers to report the event. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted at the Tertiary Care Medical and Teaching Institute, Amritsar, India, to observe the rising trends of ectopic pregnancy during the lockdown period from March 22, 2020, to July 30, 2020. Data were taken from the hospital records of Emergency and Gynaecology and Obstetric departments after getting ethical clearance from the ethics committee of the institute. The details of demographic characters, clinical presentation, risk factors, and treatment plan for ectopic pregnancy, as well as associated morbidity and mortality were studied in detail in comparison to times other than during COVID-19 pandemic. Results It was observed that the proportion of ruptured ectopic pregnancies was significantly higher during the lockdown period in comparison to the prelockdown period (12/617; 1.94% vs. 17/4367; 0.381%, Fisher's exact test p 0.02). Majority of patients (91.66%) presented late with ruptured ectopic pregnancy with hemoperitoneum and had to undergo emergency laparotomy and a salpingectomy was done in 66.66% of cases. Discussion Social lifestyle changes, increased use of emergency contraceptive pills, and medical abortion pills due to poor accessibility of healthcare facilities were observed during this period. Noticeably, a high number of patients came in an emergency with failed medical abortions who were later diagnosed with ruptured ectopic pregnancies. Conclusion We think that monitoring the indirect potential consequences of COVID-19 pandemic is imperative in order to avoid unexpected deleterious complications in women's health. How to cite this article Kaur S, Kamal P, Pahwa S, et al. Rising Trends in Ectopic Pregnancy during COVID-19 Pandemic. AMEI's Curr Trends Diagn Treat 2020;4(2):84–86.

Determinants of Emergency Contraceptive Pill use among the Patients Presenting for Pregnancy Termination at Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Maharashtra

Background: Emergency Contraceptives (EC) are used to prevent unplanned pregnancies thereby preventing the occurrence and consequences of unplanned pregnancy. Emergency contraception is widely available in India. Yet the use of EC is very low and abortion rate in cities is high. Objective: To assess the practice and determinants of use of emergency contraceptive pills among women presenting for pregnancy termination in a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: This was a Cross-sectional, hospital-based study, conducted among the women of reproductive age group presenting for termination of pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra. The study was conducted for a period of three months from May to July, 2016. Data was collected with the help of a preformed and prestructured questionnaire. A total of 150 cases were enrolled in the study. The data was tabulated and analyzed using Epi Info and MS Excel. Result: The knowledge of emergency contraception was seen in 34.0% subjects, out of which only 7.3% had good knowledge. Attitude wise assessment of emergency contraception showed that 74.7% subjects had favourable attitude towards its use while only 21% participants used emergency contraceptive pills. The study revealed that there is a low trend of use of modern contraceptives. The major reason for low usage was lack of adequate knowledge on the method, misperceptions of the adverse effects of this method, fear of effect on future fertility. Factors like women belonging to urban area, education, socioeconomic status and knowledge of contraception and emergency contraception and ever used contraceptive were the significant determinants of EC use. Conclusion: It is concluded that knowledge and use of emergency contraceptive is low while all had favourable attitude towards its use. Awareness is to be created among the community through information, education and communication so that the its use will be increased. How to cite this article:Wakankar PS, Parande MA. Determinants of Emergency Contraceptive Pill use among the Patients Presenting for Pregnancy Termination at Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Maharashtra. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med 2019; 5(3): 18-24.

Emergency contraceptive pill use among women of reproductive age in Pathein, Myanmar

Purpose Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) allow a second chance to prevent unwanted pregnancy in unplanned sexual intercourse. Therefore, it helps reduce the rate of induced or unsafe abortions. Although they are available over-the-counter in Myanmar, relevant information remains improperly known by women and its use is limited. The purpose of this paper is to identify the prevalence and associated factors of ECPs use among women of reproductive age in the delta region of Myanmar. Design/methodology/approach This community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Division, Myanmar from March 30 to April 29, 2018. This study was conducted among 238 respondents selected using multistage sampling and face-to-face interviews employed structured questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the associations among variables. Findings The prevalence of ECPs use among reproductive aged women was 11.3 percent. Factors significantly associated with ECPs use were high monthly family income (AOR=4.50, 95% CI=1.31–15.48), condom use (AOR=4.40, 95% CI=1.07–18.16) and never having experienced pregnancy (AOR=6.20, 95% CI=2.06–18.67). Originality/value To improve the use of ECPs, extension of services such as opening hours or working days is needed. The government and NGOs should implement the services to support women who have encountered unplanned sexual intercourse so that unwanted pregnancy can be prevented.

Insights from outside BJOG

Insights from outside BJOG

Contraceptive use at first intercourse is associated with subsequent sexual behaviors

ObjectiveWomen's contraceptive use at first sexual intercourse (FSI) may be associated with subsequent sexual behaviors. We examined associations between contraceptive methods used at FSI and subsequent number of lifetime partners, induced abortions and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Study designDuring 2011–2012, we collected questionnaire data from a random sample of women aged 18–45 years from Denmark, Norway and Sweden. We used logistic regression and discrete-time proportional hazards models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), comparing different contraceptive methods used at FSI in the whole study sample and in women with FSI in 2001 or later [when emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) were available without prescription]. ResultsOf 45,361 women in the study sample, those who did not use contraception at FSI (n=8155; 18.0%) were more likely than condom users to have ≥11 lifetime partners (OR=1.34; 95% CI 1.27–1.42), induced abortions (HR=1.62; 95% CI 1.53–1.71) and STIs (HR=1.15; 95% CI 1.10–1.20). ECP users (n=440, 1.0%) were more likely than condom users to have ≥11 lifetime partners (OR=1.76; 95% CI 1.40–2.22), induced abortions (HR=1.44; 95% CI 1.11–1.86) and STIs (HR=1.84; 95% CI 1.56–2.16). A similar pattern was seen in safe periods/withdrawal users. The associations did not change among women with FSI in 2001 or later (n=14,445). ConclusionsCompared with condom use, contraceptive nonuse, safe periods/withdrawal use and ECP use at FSI were associated with subsequent number of sexual partners, induced abortions and STIs. ImplicationsContraceptive method used at first intercourse was associated with subsequent sexual behaviors in women. This study highlights the importance of early sexual behaviors and may help understand patterns of women's sexual behaviors.

Knowledge and Parity: Perspectives of Usage of Emergency Contraceptive Pills among Women of a Rural Area of Delhi.

Context:Correct use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) may prevent up to 95% of unwanted pregnancies which may significantly decrease unsafe abortions and maternal mortality.Aims:Assessment of knowledge and use of ECPs among women and to explore factors associated with them.Materials and Methods:This was a facility-based cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a prestructured, pretested questionnaire from 381 reproductive age women (15–49 years) selected by systematic random sampling. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 and Epi info (version 7.0.) were used for all statistical analyses. Descriptive analysis was performed, and results were expressed in terms of frequencies and percentages. The Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used as tests of significance in univariate analysis. Determinants of use of ECPs were identified using logistic regression.Results:Of 381 women interviewed, awareness level of ECPs (ever heard about ECPs) was found to be 34% (n = 128). Ever use of emergency contraception was reported by 38 (9.7%). Age (odds ratio [OR] = 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.88–4.87]), education (OR = 0.086, 95% CI [0.047–0.158]), husband's education (OR = 0.11, 95% CI [0.067–0.187]), socioeconomic status (OR = 6.14, 95% CI [3.28–11.51]), and family status (OR = 2.6, 95% CI [1.59–4.24]) were found to be significantly associated with the use of emergency contraceptives.Conclusions:The study identified that most respondents lack adequate knowledge about ECPs, and ever use of ECPs was very low. Factors that were associated with the use of ECPs were age, literacy, socioeconomic status, and knowledge about the method. Creating a sustainable awareness on ECPs and their use may serve them with power to control their parity.

The context of emergency contraception use among young unmarried women in Accra, Ghana: a qualitative study

BackgroundOver the past decade, awareness and use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) among young women has rapidly increased in Ghana; however, the rate of unintended pregnancy among this group remains high. We conducted a qualitative study to better understand the context and patterns of ECP use among young unmarried women in Ghana.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with unmarried sexually active women aged 18–24 in Accra, Ghana to explore their perceptions, experiences, and opinions regarding sexual relationships and contraceptive methods, and to examine the factors that influence choice of ECPs. A total of 32 young women participated in the study.ResultsMost participants had used ECPs at least once. Participants described being unable to plan for sexual encounters, and as a result preferred ECPs as a convenient post-coital method. Despite being widely and repeatedly used, women feared the disruptive effects of ECPs on the menstrual cycle and were concerned about long-term side-effects. ECPs were sometimes used as a back-up in cases of perceived failure of traditional methods like withdrawal. Misinformation about which drugs were ECPs, correct dosage, and safe usage were prevalent, and sometimes spread by pharmacists. Myths about pregnancy prevention techniques such as urinating or washing after sex were commonly believed, even among women who regularly used ECPs, and coincided with a misunderstanding about how hormonal contraception works.ConclusionsECPs appear to be a popular contraceptive choice among young urban women in Ghana, yet misinformation about their correct usage and safety is widespread. While more research on ECP use among young people is needed, these initial results point to the need to incorporate information about ECPs into adolescent comprehensive sexuality education and youth-friendly services and programmes.

Enhancing use of emergency contraceptive pills: A systematic review of women’s attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and experiences in Australia

Over a decade after emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) became available without a prescription, the rate of unintended pregnancies remains high in many settings. Understanding women’s experiences and perceptions of ECPs may provide insights into this underutilization. We systematically searched databases to identify qualitative and quantitative primary studies about women’s beliefs, knowledge, and experiences of ECPs in Australia. Findings demonstrate persistent misunderstandings around access, how ECPs work, and a moral discourse around acceptable versus unacceptable use. Addressing knowledge and the stigma around ECPs use is fundamental to increasing the use of this medically safe and effective strategy.

Knowledge and consumption of emergency contraception pills in a tertiary education student population

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year there are 200 million pregnancies, of which 75 million are unintended. Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) are one of the available methods to prevent an unintended pregnancy, after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. The aim of this study was to quantify the consumption, characterize the level of knowledge, and understand the factors that induce the use of ECPs in tertiary students. An observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective survey was conducted at two tertiary education institutions (Coimbra Health School and Coimbra Education School) between January and April 2015. A written survey was applied to a convenience sample of female and male students at these schools. The survey questions comprised three areas: sociodemographic indicators; knowledge of ECPs; and previous consumption of ECPs (females only). Descriptive statistics and chi-square of independence test were used. Most of the students had heard about ECPs and used them mainly for “forgetfulness or contraceptive failure” (63.8%) or “sex without using a contraceptive” (22.4%). Students’ main information sources were school, friends, and the internet. There was a higher level of knowledge in female students, students from the Coimbra Health School (vs students from the Coimbra Education School), and students who had received healthcare professional counseling (p < 0.01). Regarding consumption, the majority (74.1%) were first-time users of ECPs and almost all ECPs were obtained in the pharmacy (91.4%). In Portugal, ECPs are available over the counter, which facilitates their obtainment. There was some knowledge among students, however lack of information about this subject should be taken into account in further studies. Communication with the students to improve their risk perception and knowledge is key to improving the safer use of ECPs.

The effects of an educational program on knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding condom and emergency contraceptive pill use among Thai female university students

Purpose University students who have low knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding the prevention of unintended pregnancies may experience higher rates of unintended pregnancies. An educational program was developed based on the self-efficacy theory and peer-led education to improve unintended pregnancy problems among university students. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of an educational program on knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding the use of condoms and emergency contraceptive pills among Thai university students. Design/methodology/approach The effectiveness of the educational program was tested by a quasi-experimental study with a pre- and post-test design. The study was conducted between September and October 2017. Multistage sampling was used to recruit 73 Thai female university students, including 36 students in the intervention group and 37 students in the comparison group. The intervention group received an eight-week educational program, while the comparison group did not. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the improvement of knowledge, attitudes and intention regarding condom and emergency contraceptive pill use. Descriptive statistics, paired samples t-test, Wilcoxon test and Mann–Whitney tests were used for data analysis. Findings Most participants in both groups had sexual intercourse. After the end of the program, the before-after mean score of the intervention group’s knowledge (8.0, 11.0), attitudes (29.4, 32.4) and intention (17.4, 20.4) were significantly increased (p-value&lt;0.001). Post-intervention, there were statistically significant differences in knowledge scores (p-value&lt;0.001) and intention scores (p-value=0.04) between the intervention group and the comparison group. Originality/value This educational program increases knowledge and intention but does not influence attitudes toward using condoms and emergency contraceptive pills.

Prevalence of emergency contraceptive pill use among Spanish adolescent girls and their family and psychological profiles

BackgroundAdolescent girls’ family context and psychological characteristics play important roles in their sexual behavior, including the use of the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP). This study aims to (1) determine the prevalence of ECP use among girls who have had sexual intercourse and (2) comparatively analyze their family and psychological profiles according to whether they have used ECPs.MethodsThe sample of 1735 Spanish girls aged 15 to 18 came from a representative sample of the 2014 edition of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. Of this sample, 398 girls had sexual intercourse and reported their ECP use. Data collection for the HBSC study was performed through an online questionnaire to which adolescents responded anonymously in school. Data analyses were descriptive and bivariate and were performed with the statistical program IBM SPSS Statistics 23.ResultsThe results demonstrated that 30.65% of girls who had sexual intercourse used ECPs. Noticeable differences in paternal knowledge and communication with the father were observed between girls who used the ECP at least once and those who did not use it. In contrast, differences between girls who used the ECP once and those who used it twice or more were pronounced with regard to parental knowledge, communication with parents, maternal affection, life satisfaction, sense of coherence and depression.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates a high prevalence of ECP use and a more positive family and psychological profile for girls who used ECP once compared with those who used it twice or more.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Women Working in the Entertainment Industry and Men in the Trucking Industry, Bhutan.

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) were recently made available over the counter in Bhutan. We evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning ECP in 2 populations at risk for HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infections): entertainment women (drayang) and male truck drivers and helpers (truckers). Of 179 drayang and 437 truckers intercepted at venues, 73.7 and 21.1%, respectively, had heard of ECP; 47.0% of drayang had used them. Their concerns about ECP use included harm to the body, impact on future pregnancy, side effects, and HIV/STI risk. Education programs are needed in Bhutan to increase awareness of ECP for unplanned pregnancy and condoms to prevent HIV and STI.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Emergency Contraceptive Pills among Medical and Paramedical Students.

Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is also called as morning after pill which is indicated after unprotected coitus, sexual abuse and nonuse of regular contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancy. The present study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and current use of emergency contraceptive pill among the medical and paramedical students. Institution based cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted at Gandaki medical college and The School of Health and Allied sciences from August 2015-Janawary 2016.Data was collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using Microsoft excel 2007. Out of 181 respondents 40.9% were male and 59.1% were female students. 91.2% respondents were from urban area and 86.2% were Hindu. As compared to female students, male students have more knowledge about the ECPs. However, female students were more correct than male students regarding the proper administration time of ECP. Although recipients have positive attitude regarding ECPs, majority of them believed that ECPs have harmful effects to the body. Mainly due to the humiliation and lack of proper knowledge, male respondents and female respondents respectively felt challenges to use ECPs. It is concluded the misinformation regarding ECPs is high among the respondents. Therefore, effective awareness program should be lunched to educate them regarding the ECPs and to protect young females from the risk of unsafe abortion.