Emergency Contraception Research Articles

Variables predictoras del uso de los métodos anticonceptivos en jóvenes: una revisión sistemática

ObjectiveTo analyse predictor variables of contraceptive method use in young people. DesignSystematic review. Data sourcesPubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cuiden Plus, LILACS and IME databases were consulted. Study selectionAn assessment of the quality of studies was carried out by two researchers in parallel. As a result, a total of 5 primary research studies were selected. Data extractionInformation was extracted on the selected study population, contraceptive method studied and predictor variables identified. ResultsSeven predictor variables were identified that specifically explain the use of the male condom, contraceptive pill or emergency contraceptive pill. The most relevant variables were the level of knowledge and attitudes towards contraceptive use, therefore high knowledge and positive attitudes increase the likelihood of contraceptive use. Another notable finding was the presence of a formative bias with women having higher knowledge of hormonal contraceptive options and more positive attitudes. ConclusionFuture training programs should be oriented towards assessing behavioral changes through the development of positive attitudes towards contraceptive use by gaining knowledge of contraceptive options.

Adding piroxicam to levonorgestrel increased emergency contraception effectiveness.

Li RHW, Lo SST, Gemzell-Danielsson K, et al. Oral emergency contraception with levonorgestrel plus piroxicam: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2023;402:851-858. 37597523.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice About Emergency Contraception Among Saudi Women of Childbearing Age of Eastern Region in Saudi Arabia.

Background and aim Emergency contraception (EC) refers to methods of contraception that are used within 72 hours up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse to prevent unintended pregnancy. It can postpone ovulation, stopping fertilization. Ella®(progestin receptor modulator), plan B, birth control tablets, and the copper intrauterine device(IUD) are examples of emergency contraception. The aim of the study is to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of emergency contraception among Saudi women of childbearing age in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Methods It is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected through a pretested online questionnaire after approval from an ethical committee and women's consent to participate in the study. Women between 18 and 49 years old were included in the study. Women aged under 18 and over 49 years were excluded from the study to make the sample population more homogenous. Participants were provided a link to a questionnaire form to be completed from theirdevices (phone or laptop). Results A total of 648 childbearing Saudi women completed the survey. The majority were between 18 and 25 years old. Approximately 263 (40.6%) had no children, and 348 (53.7%) earned less than 5,000 SAR monthly. Four hundred and sixty-seven(72%) of the participants had never used emergency contraception. Four hundred and seventy-eight (73.8%) did not know the maximum acceptable time for using EC. Three hundred and fourteen (48.5%) did not know the potential risks to the baby in case of failure of emergency contraception. Two hundred and twenty-three(34%)patricians wrongly believed that there would be a potential risk to the baby if the patient got pregnant after using emergency contraception. Three hundred and eight (47.5%) participants supported the idea of the availability of emergency contraception without a prescription, and a majority believed that they would not feel shy in asking for emergency contraception. Five hundred and seventy-one (88%)participants did not visit any family planning clinic last year. A significant source of EC information was a doctor or a family planner, 206 (31.8%). A considerable barrier to EC use was fear of side effects and health risks, as reported by382 (59%) respondents. Conclusions The current study reveals that participants have positive attitudes towards emergency contraception, but use is deficient because of poor knowledge and lack of awareness. Our study urges the urgent need for awareness campaigns by health professionals to improve learning and remove wrong fears and beliefs about emergency contraception.

Availability of emergency contraception in large Brazilian municipalities: a guaranteed right?

Introduction: Emergency Contraception (EC) is available in Brazil since 1996, when it was adopted as one if the family planning strategies and, in 1998, for use in services assisting victims of sexual violence. In the country, its use is regulated by guidelines. Its access through SUS (Unified Health System), however, does not seem to occur in a standardized manner.Methods: The aim of the study was to analyze the availability and barriers to accessing emergency contraception (levonorgestrel) in Brazilian municipalities with more than 500 thousand inhabitants. The survey was carried out by a form sent to the Municipal Health Departments (SMS) managers and a search on the list of standardized medicines by the hospitals in the same municipalities.Results: The Basic Health Units were identified as the standard access places to EC. However, one of the obstacles mentioned is the need for a prescription for dispensing in almost 80% of the analyzed cities. Access in emergency situations at night and on weekends is also uncertain, since although 67% of the places stated that they dispense at the hospital level, the item was only standardized in 21% of the hospital lists.Discussion: The difficult access this drug in the public system essentially tends to harm the poorest women, who are the ones who suffer most from the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy.

Unveiling reproductive choices: Knowledge and practices of emergency contraceptive pills among the female factory workers in Sri Lanka

BackgroundIn Sri Lanka, the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is categorized as a Schedule 2A medication, allowing it to be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription, but exclusively from licensed pharmacists. It is estimated that around 3 million ECPs are consumed by Sri Lankan women each year. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of Female Factory Workers (FFWs) on ECP and to unearth the association with unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion. MethodsAfter receiving written informed consent, a structured interview schedule was administered among 585 FFWs attached to eight factories in a selected Export Processing Zone (EPZ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. ResultsOnly 26 % of FFWs were aware of the effective time period to take an ECP to prevent a pregnancy. Most (67 %) had the impression that a valid prescription is required to purchase ECP from the pharmacies. Around one-tenth of the FFWs (11.3 %, n = 66) had used ECP during their lifetime. Among the 65 respondents who reported having experienced unintended pregnancies, only 26.2 % (n = 17) had utilized ECPs. In contrast, among the 22 respondents who disclosed a history of abortion, only two women had ever employed ECPs. ConclusionThe study highlights the low knowledge and use of ECP among FFWs in Sri Lanka, contributing to unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion. Results call for targeted interventions to improve knowledge and access to ECP, helping to reduce unintended pregnancy and improve reproductive health outcomes.

Efficacy of oral levonorgestrel emergency contraception with same day etonogestrel contraceptive implant: A prospective observational study

ObjectiveTo determine a 1-month pregnancy rate point estimate and 95% confidence interval for guideline-supported, same-day initiation of an etonogestrel implant plus oral levonorgestrel emergency contraception. Study designIn this single-arm, prospective observational study, all emergency contraception clients who presented to four Planned Parenthood Association of Utah clinics from February 2021 to March 2023 received information about oral levonorgestrel with same-day etonogestrel implant insertion. Participants were ≤35 years and reported unprotected intercourse within 5 days with negative pregnancy testing. The primary outcome measure was a 1-month home pregnancy test. We calculated the efficacy using a test of proportions with Yates continuity correction. ResultsA total of 160 emergency contraception clients (7.6% of 2106 approached) enrolled and 153 had 1-month pregnancy outcomes. A positive pregnancy test occurred in 2 participants resulting in an overall pregnancy rate of 1.32% (95% confidence interval 0.23%−5.19%). Ultrasound gestational dating assigned conception of the first pregnancy to 8 days before enrollment. For the second pregnancy, ultrasound dating designated conception at 5 days prior to enrollment. Limiting the efficacy rate to the single pregnancy that occurred within 5 days of unprotected intercourse, we report a pregnancy rate of 0.66% (95% confidence interval 0.03%−4.19%). ConclusionsIn this observational study of emergency contraception clients selecting oral levonorgestrel with same-day etonogestrel implant, we identified a pregnancy rate within the established range of oral emergency contraception methods alone. ImplicationsClients presenting for emergency contraception may also desire ongoing highly-effective contraception, yet current clinical guidelines serve as a barrier to same-day method initiation for the etonogestrel implant and other hormonal methods. Improving access to contraceptive method initiation will reduce the ongoing risk of unwanted pregnancy for this population. Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT04678817; registered 12/16/20

Emergency contraceptive provision in the emergency department and risk analysis for delayed utilization in South Korea.

In certain nations, the emergency department (ED) has been designated as the primary center to provide emergency contraception (EC). However, analyses of ED visits for EC are limited. Moreover, ED-based research that focuses on time is limited to only a few surveys. The aims of this study were to examine the characteristics of ED visitors for EC and the interval between the coitus and arrival at the ED, and to analyze the factors associated with delays in visiting the ED. This retrospective cohort study involved patients at 2 urban tertiary academic hospitals in South Korea. All patients who presented to the ED for EC between January 2019 and December 2021 were analyzed. The median age of the participants was 26 years. The most common variables were age of 20 to 29 years (42.0%), evening visits (34.9%), weekends or public holidays (62.6%), single status (89.2%), and visits after contraceptive failure (79.1%). The mean time interval was 7.49 hours, and 77.4% of all patients visited the ED within 12 hours. Patients who received public sex education presented earlier (P < .001). ED visits after nonconsensual sexual incidents represented significantly delayed presentations (P < .001). Regression analysis revealed that both the lack of public education and the occurrence of nonconsensual coitus were associated with incident-to-ED visit intervals of >12 hours. Most patients received emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) within the recommended timeframe. In particular, nationwide school-based public sex education positively affected early ECP access. In contrast, ECP provision was delayed for patients who experienced nonconsensual coitus. Strategies for timely ECP access should account for possible concerns about stigmatization and privacy.

The Efficacy of Emergency Contraception to Prevent Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of various emergency contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy.Method: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Data search used four databases, namely Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Wiley. Data that met the inclusion criteria were subjected to meta-analysis to analyze the combined proportion of data using MedCalc 20.012 software, calculation of a percentage of 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) and P&lt;0.05, and heterogeneity test between studies.Results: There were 6 journals that met the criteria. Some of the contraceptives used as emergency contraception are: the copper IUD (CuIUD) with effectiveness reaching 100% in preventing pregnancy, levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg IUS with effectiveness reaching 99.95%, the levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg IUD with effectiveness reaching 99.7%, mifepristone 10 mg with effectiveness reaching 99.3%, mifepristone 5 mg with effectiveness reaching 98.8%, ulipristal acetate (UPA) 30 mg in pre-ovulatory women with effectiveness reaching 98.6%, levonorgestrel (LNG) 0.75 mg with effectiveness reaching 98.3%, yuzpe regimen with effectiveness reaching 98.2%, and ulipristal acetate (UPA) 30 mg in post-ovulatory women with effectiveness reaching 97.9%. The results of the proportion meta-analysis showed the proportion of pregnancies after the use of emergency contraceptive, which was 0.231% (95% CI 0.116–0.384) from 4,927 samples in 6 studies, and the results of the heterogeneity test between studies were found to be not meaningful (I2 = 0%). Conclusion: The emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy is very effective with the results of a meta-analysis of the proportion of 0.231% (95% CI 0.116–0.384). This suggests that the percentage of pregnancies after emergency contraceptive use is quite low.Efektivitas Kontrasepsi Darurat untuk Mencegah Kehamilan: Tinjauan Sistematis dan Meta-AnalisisAbstrakTujuan: Tinjauan sistematis dan meta-analisis untuk mengetahui efektivitas berbagai metode kontrasepsi darurat untuk mencegah kehamilan.Metode: Penelitian ini mengikuti protokol Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Pencarian data menggunakan empat database yaitu Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, dan Wiley. Data yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dilakukan meta analisis dengan analisis proporsi gabungan data menggunakan software MeldCalc 20.012, dilakukan perhitungan persentase 95% CI dan P&lt;0.05, serta dilakukan uji heterogenitas antar studi.Hasil: Terdapat 6 jurnal yang memenuhi kriteria. Beberapa alat kontrasepsi yang digunakan sebagai kontrasepsi darurat yaitu: AKDR tembaga (CuIUD) dengan efektivitas mencapai 100% dalam mencegah kehamilan, levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg IUS dengan efektivitas mencapai 99,95%, levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg IUD dengan efektivitas mencapai 99,7%, mifepristone 10 mg dengan efektivitas mencapai 99,3%, mifepristone 5 mg dengan efektivitas mencapai 98,8%, ulipristal asetat (UPA) 30 mg pada wanita pre-ovulasi dengan efektivitas mencapai 98,6%, levonorgestrel (LNG) 0,75 mg dengan efektivitas mencapai 98,3%, yuzpe regimen dengan efektivitas mencapai 98,2%, dan ulipristal asetat (UPA) 30 mg pada wanita post-ovulasi dengan efektivitas mencapai 97,9%. Hasil meta analisis proporsi menunjukkan proporsi kehamilan setelah penggunaan kontrasepsi darurat yaitu 0,231% (95% CI 0,116–0,384) dari 4.927 sampel, serta hasil uji heterogenitas antar studi ditemukan tidak bermakna (I2 = 0%).Kesimpulan: Penggunaan kontrasepsi darurat sangat efektif dalam mencegah kehamilan dengan hasil meta analisis proporsi yaitu 0,231% (95%CI 0,116–0,384). Hasil tersebut menunjukkan bahwa persentase kehamilan setelah penggunaan kontrasepsi darurat cukup rendah.Kata kunci: Efektivitas, Kontrasepsi Darurat

The Efficacy of Emergency Contraception to Prevent Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of various emergency contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. Method: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Data search used four databases, namely Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Wiley. Data that met the inclusion criteria were subjected to meta-analysis to analyze the combined proportion of data using MedCalc 20.012 software, calculation of a percentage of 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) and P&lt;0.05, and heterogeneity test between studies. Results: There were 6 journals that met the criteria. Some of the contraceptives used as emergency contraception are: the copper IUD (CuIUD) with effectiveness reaching 100% in preventing pregnancy, levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg IUS with effectiveness reaching 99.95%, the levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg IUD with effectiveness reaching 99.7%, mifepristone 10 mg with effectiveness reaching 99.3%, mifepristone 5 mg with effectiveness reaching 98.8%, ulipristal acetate (UPA) 30 mg in pre-ovulatory women with effectiveness reaching 98.6%, levonorgestrel (LNG) 0.75 mg with effectiveness reaching 98.3%, yuzpe regimen with effectiveness reaching 98.2%, and ulipristal acetate (UPA) 30 mg in post-ovulatory women with effectiveness reaching 97.9%. The results of the proportion meta-analysis showed the proportion of pregnancies after the use of emergency contraceptive, which was 0.231% (95% CI 0.116–0.384) from 4,927 samples in 6 studies, and the results of the heterogeneity test between studies were found to be not meaningful (I2 = 0%). Conclusion: The emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy is very effective with the results of a meta-analysis of the proportion of 0.231% (95% CI 0.116–0.384). This suggests that the percentage of pregnancies after emergency contraceptive use is quite low. Efektivitas Kontrasepsi Darurat untuk Mencegah Kehamilan: Tinjauan Sistematis dan Meta-Analisis Abstrak Tujuan: Tinjauan sistematis dan meta-analisis untuk mengetahui efektivitas berbagai metode kontrasepsi darurat untuk mencegah kehamilan. Metode: Penelitian ini mengikuti protokol Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Pencarian data menggunakan empat database yaitu Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, dan Wiley. Data yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dilakukan meta analisis dengan analisis proporsi gabungan data menggunakan software MeldCalc 20.012, dilakukan perhitungan persentase 95% CI dan P&lt;0.05, serta dilakukan uji heterogenitas antar studi. Hasil: Terdapat 6 jurnal yang memenuhi kriteria. Beberapa alat kontrasepsi yang digunakan sebagai kontrasepsi darurat yaitu: AKDR tembaga (CuIUD) dengan efektivitas mencapai 100% dalam mencegah kehamilan, levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg IUS dengan efektivitas mencapai 99,95%, levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg IUD dengan efektivitas mencapai 99,7%, mifepristone 10 mg dengan efektivitas mencapai 99,3%, mifepristone 5 mg dengan efektivitas mencapai 98,8%, ulipristal asetat (UPA) 30 mg pada wanita pre-ovulasi dengan efektivitas mencapai 98,6%, levonorgestrel (LNG) 0,75 mg dengan efektivitas mencapai 98,3%, yuzpe regimen dengan efektivitas mencapai 98,2%, dan ulipristal asetat (UPA) 30 mg pada wanita post-ovulasi dengan efektivitas mencapai 97,9%. Hasil meta analisis proporsi menunjukkan proporsi kehamilan setelah penggunaan kontrasepsi darurat yaitu 0,231% (95% CI 0,116–0,384) dari 4.927 sampel, serta hasil uji heterogenitas antar studi ditemukan tidak bermakna (I2 = 0%). Kesimpulan: Penggunaan kontrasepsi darurat sangat efektif dalam mencegah kehamilan dengan hasil meta analisis proporsi yaitu 0,231% (95%CI 0,116–0,384). Hasil tersebut menunjukkan bahwa persentase kehamilan setelah penggunaan kontrasepsi darurat cukup rendah. Kata kunci: Efektivitas, Kontrasepsi Darurat

Anticoncepción de emergencia en estudiantes universitarios. ¿Qué tanto usan y conocen este método los jóvenes?

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge that a group of university students have about emergency contraception, in addition to knowing how often they use these methods. Methods: Quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional research. A survey was applied to all the students of the Physiopathology course of the Pharmacy and Bioanalysis Faculty of the Universidad de Los Andes in Mérida-Venezuela. The data collection instrument was validated by Matzumura-Kasano in her research and was used with previous authorization, in addition, a review of the literature was made, inquiring about the most controversial aspects of emergency contraceptives. Results: 87 people surveyed, between 21 and 36 years old, 66 women. Seventy-seven percent actively have sexual intercourse. 59.8 % have never received information on emergency contraception methods. 71.2 % know the ideal time to use postcoital contraceptives. 89.7% consider that emergency contraceptives are not safe and have repercussions on health, 82.8% think that they are not effective in preventing pregnancy and 53% do not know how they work. Conclusion: There is little education about emergency contraceptives among the respondents, most of them do not know how they work. Most of the respondents know the ideal time to use postcoital methods, but consider that they are not safe, have health repercussions and are not effective in preventing pregnancy, which demonstrates the need to inform the population.

Post-exposure prophylaxis, STI testing and factors associated with follow-up attendance: a review of 4159 cases of acute post-sexual assault medical care

BackgroundSexual assault (SA) is a prevalent issue with enduring consequences. Post-SA medical care mainly focuses on injuries, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and detection, as well as preventing unwanted pregnancies....

Do Indian women know about and use the emergency contraceptive pill? An analysis of nationally representative data from 2005–06 and 2019–21

Abstract The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is a post-coital contraceptive method that prevents unintended pregnancy and is useful in specific circumstances. This study examined the awareness and use of the ECP in India, as there is scarce evidence in this area to guide policy development. This study used data from the 2005–06 (n = 124 385) and 2019–21 (n = 724 115) rounds of the National Family Health Survey of India. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were applied to explore how demographic characteristics including age, education (none, primary, secondary, higher), wealth quintile, place of residence (urban, rural), marital status, parity, desire for children, whether current pregnancy was wanted, whether the women had had an abortion in the past 5 years, and whether current use of contraceptive methods affected the likelihood of knowledge and use of ECP. In the past 15 years, knowledge of ECP has increased by 37 percentage points but still remains relatively low at 48%. Less than 1% of the sample (0.55%) used ECP. Women aged 30–34 years, from wealthier and more educated backgrounds, living in urban areas, and currently using condoms had a higher likelihood of using ECP in comparison with women from age group 15–19 years, those from the poorest backgrounds, those with no education, those living in rural areas and those not using any contraceptive method, respectively. In comparison to married women, never-married women exhibited a higher awareness of ECP but lower use. More efforts must be made to improve awareness of the ECP, especially among adolescents, those with less education, poorer women and those in rural areas. The government is taking steps to improve access to ECP, and India’s female community health workers, the ASHAs, could be further supported to enhance awareness of ECP.

Emergency contraceptive knowledge and associated factors among abortion experienced reproductive age women in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis using EDHS 2016 data

BackgroundEmergency contraceptives (EC) are used to avoid unintended pregnancy, hence avoiding its incidence and its effects. In Ethiopia, emergency contraception is commonly accessible, especially in the big cities. However, there is virtually little understanding of or awareness of EC and Ethiopia has a high abortion rate. Therefore this study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors for emergency contraceptive knowledge in Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was based on secondary data analysis of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data. A total weighted sample of 1236 reproductive age women was included. A multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the significant associated factors of emergency contraceptive knowledge. Statistical significance was determined using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval.ResultsOverall magnitude of emergency contraceptive knowledge was observed to be 17.19% (95% CI: 15.18, 19.40) with intra-class correlation (ICC) 57% and median odds ratio (MOR) 6.4 in the null model. Women’s age 25–34 (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 5.5), and 35–49 (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.3), secondary and above educational level (AOR = 3.41; 95% CI: 2.19, 4.88), media exposure (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.56, 5.64), Being in metropolitan region (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.46, 4.74), and women being in urban area (AOR = 3.19; 95% CI: 1.20, 5.23) were associated with emergency contraceptive knowledge.ConclusionEmergency contraceptive knowledge in this study was low. Women age, educational level, media exposure, residency, and region were significantly associated with emergency contraceptive knowledge. Therefore, to enhance understanding and use of ECs in the current Ethiopian setting, it is imperative to ensure exposure to EC information, particularly in rural regions.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is an intervention aimed to prevent an unplanned or unintended pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or where inadequate contraception has been used. It is only recommended for occasional use, and patients should be advised regarding regular and preferably long-term contraception if suitable. The request for emergency contraception is a frequent presentation in general practice. Around 40% of pregnancies worldwide are estimated to be unplanned, and a significant proportion of unplanned pregnancies result in termination, leading to avoidable distress. Therefore, it is paramount that healthcare professionals understand the available methods of emergency contraception. This article will cover the available methods, looking at their indications, use, efficacy, risks, and benefits.

Factors Affecting Knowledge of Emergency Contraception among Addis Ababa University Female Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: The prevalence of unintended pregnancy is very high in Ethiopia and young and adolescents are one of the major groups that are affected by it. The lack of knowledge of emergency contraception methods is one of the contributing factors to the increasing prevalence of unintended pregnancy. In this study, we explored the level of awareness and the factors affecting the knowledge of one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, university students. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge as well as factors affecting Knowledge of emergency contraception among female students. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Addis Ababa University. The sample size calculated was 648. Data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire and data was entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics was performed to get frequency and percentages. Logistic regression and Chi-square analysis were used to identify predictors of the outcome variable. Result: A total of 648 students were included in the study giving a response rate of 100%. Of all the respondents, 111 (17%) were sexually active, 439 (68%) have ever heard about and 158 (24.5%) have ever used emergency contraception methods. Of those respondents who ever heard of emergency contraceptive methods 265 (60%) (95% CI: 58%, 62%) were found to have good knowledge. The study has shown that field of study (AOR, 7.24; 95% CI: 4.103,12.772, P &lt; 0.000) and every use of emergency contraceptive methods (AOR, 2.075; 95% CI: 1.234,3.490, P &lt; 0.006) were significantly associated with having good knowledge of emergency contraceptive methods. Conclusion and recommendation: The level of knowledge about emergency contraception is fair. This study showed, that faculty of study and every use of emergency contraception are found to have a significant association with good knowledge of emergency contraceptive methods. Even though the knowledge of the respondents is fair much has to be done to improve their knowledge of the different methods by preparing a reproductive health education lesson, especially for students in non-medical faculty who may have been unaddressed.

Case Q: How soon after taking emergency contraception can a patient begin hormonal contraception?

Case Q: How soon after taking emergency contraception can a patient begin hormonal contraception?

Does the 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine device have the same efficacy as the copper intrauterine device when used for postcoital (“emergency”) contraception?

Does the 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine device have the same efficacy as the copper intrauterine device when used for postcoital (“emergency”) contraception?

Family planning service availability and readiness assessment of primary health care facilities in Delta State, Nigeria: a mixed methods survey

BackgroundThe availability of contraceptives, family planning guidelines, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials can increase access to family planning services. This study assessed the availability of commodities and readiness of primary health care (PHC) facilities in Delta State to offer family planning services.MethodsA cross-sectional design with an explanatory mixed-method approach was used i.e., the authors first collected the quantitative data, and after preliminary analysis of quantitative information, the qualitative approach was utilised to gather data on the perspectives of 32 PHC facility managers and 6 reproductive health supervisors on factors affecting family planning service availability and readiness.ResultsTwenty-one (65.6%) of the PHC facilities surveyed offered at least five modern methods of family planning. Stock-outs of emergency contraceptives, implants, intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD), oral contraceptive pills (OCP), condoms, and injectables were observed in 31 (96.9%), 17 (53.1%), 13 (40.6%), 4 (12.5%), 2 (6.3%), and 1 (3.1%) of the facilities respectively. Eleven (34.4%) and 8 (25.0%) of the facilities had IEC materials and family planning guidelines, and contraceptive commodity checklists respectively. Seventeen (53.1%) of the facilities did not have complete records of family planning activities.ConclusionThis study shows that a significant proportion of PHC facilities had stock-outs of contraceptive commodities, no complete records of contraceptive activities, no IEC materials and no family planning checklists. Continuous training of health providers and increased government commitment can help to improve contraceptive services.

Access to on-campus contraception on college and university campuses in North Carolina

Background and ObjectiveUnintended pregnancies occur more frequently in college students and negatively affect health outcomes and educational attainment. This study examined access to on-campus contraceptives at all 4-year colleges and universities in North Carolina (NC). MethodsThis institutional review board-exempt study evaluated availability of on-campus contraceptives including condoms; hormonal contraceptives including pills, patches, and vaginal rings; medroxyprogesterone injections; implants; intrauterine devices; and emergency contraception via website review. Institutions were stratified by characteristics including size, location, type (e.g., public, private, religious affiliation, historically black colleges and universities, women’s colleges), and presence of a student health pharmacy. Comparisons were made using chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. ResultsFifty-four 4-year colleges and universities were identified. A plurality or the majority of schools were considered small (41%) and urban (48%) and had a religious affiliation (61%). Thirty-three percent of colleges and universities had an on-campus pharmacy. The most frequent contraceptives offered were condoms (43%), oral contraceptives (33%), and medroxyprogesterone injections (22%). Emergency contraception was available at approximately one-third of colleges and universities. Six percent of institutions provided a full range of contraceptive methods. Contraceptives were offered more frequently at large, public, urban institutions, whereas religious institutions and smaller institutions were less likely to offer contraceptives. ConclusionAccess to on-campus contraception for college students in NC is lacking, and the vast majority of institutions did not provide a full range of contraceptives. Policy measures, such as enhancing reproductive health services at student health centers or increasing contraception availability directly through pharmacies, are needed to improve access for college students.

Ascorbic and salicylic acids modulate the binding interactions of an emergency contraceptive pill levonorgestrel to a model transport protein: Insights from spectroscopy and molecular docking analysis

Serum proteins generally help to transport and distribute drug molecules within the body. In this study, the binding characteristics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with levonorgestrel (LVG), an emergency contraceptive pill, and the influences of ascorbic acid (ASC) and salicylic acid (SAL) on the binding behaviour and protein structure were elucidated using multi-spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking. The results showed that levonorgestrel decreased BSA intrinsic fluorescence via static quenching mechanism. Binding constant (Ka) values for BSA-LVG complexes were 103 to 104 M-1, indicating their high stabilities. Site probing/docking analysis indicated LVG bound between BSA subdomains IIA and IIIA. UV–visible absorption, Fourier Transform-Infrared and 3D fluorescence spectroscopies affirmed LVG-induced changes in BSA structure, especially in α-helix and β-sheet contents. ASC and SAL influenced BSA conformation for LVG binding and reduced the Ka values by 3.37 and 5.43-folds, respectively. LVG altered the microenvironments of tyrosine residues, interacted with Arg-217, Lys-221, Val-292, Glu-443 etc. within the binding domains. The process was spontaneous (ΔG<0), entropy driven (TΔS>ΔH) and involved van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. The findings of the study offered details on the binding interaction between BSA and LVG, and also indicated that prior intake of ASC or SAL could suppress the binding affinity of BSA for levonorgestrel.