1Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Santosh Medical College & Hospital, Ghaziabad
2Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Santosh Medical College & Hospital, Ghaziabad
*Corresponding author: Manisha Goel E-mail-manisha_07mittal@yahoo.co.in C-74, New Panchwati, GT Road, Ghaziabad. Uttar Pradesh-PIN: 201001
Online published on 1 October, 2015.
Maternal mortality rate of India is very high. The use of contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortion is an important strategy to minimize maternal mortality rate. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency contraceptive among women who seek abortion care.
A cross sectional study was conducted among females of reproductive age group who sought abortion care in a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected using fixed pre-formed questionnaires.
In this study 270 women were interviewed. Most of them (230) were from urban area and 40 were from rural area and the mean age was 27.3 (SD ±5.9) years. Only 126 (46.7%) women ever used any contraceptive method and the commonest method used was barrier method (55.6%). Only 10 (7.9%) of them ever used emergency contraceptive. Of all women in the study group 165(61.1%) heard of emergency contraception. Among them only 17(10.3%) knew the correct timing of EC pills. Mass media (70.5%) was major source of information and pharmacies (84.8%) were main source for availing services. Place of origin, religion, occupational status and education had significant statistical association with knowledge of emergency contraceptive.
Lack of awareness about emergency contraception and its correct use among Indian women is still high. Much work needs to be done and strategies to increase awareness and acceptability need to be undertaken.
Emergency Contraceptive, abortion care
