Emergency contraception: Who are the users?
BACKGROUND
Data collected from two community family planning services are used to discuss the characteristics of users of emergency contraception (EC).


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the characteristics of women attending for emergency contraception.


METHODS
A descriptive survey design was used to collect data. Questionnaires were completed over a 4-week period. Data were analysed using SPSS.


METHODS
Community family planning services in South West Surrey and Newham, East London.


METHODS
Consenting women aged 14-44 years attending for emergency contraception (n = 171).


METHODS
Description of the users, the current episode and contact with contraceptive services were analysed by age.


RESULTS
The age range was 14-37 years (mean 20.2 years). A majority were smokers. Of the women, 97.7% attended the clinic within the 72-hour time frame for issuing oral EC, however only 4% came within 12 hours of intercourse; 55% said that they had used contraception. Condom breakage was the commonest reason for failure. Reasons for not using contraception included getting 'carried away' (35%), not having condoms available (22%) and having drunk alcohol (13%). Of the sample 55.6% were previous users of EC.


CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrates a high incidence of sexual risk taking and need for EC, especially amongst smokers and drinkers. The message that soonest is best still requires promotion. Providers of EC must co-ordinate their services to ensure access within the 12-hour time frame in a local area.


CONCLUSIONS
Health professionals need to ensure that clients have appropriate information about EC and regular contraceptive methods and that user friendly provision is widely available.
Shawe
J
J
Postgraduate Medical School, Stirling House, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 7DJ, UK. j.shawe@surrey.ac.uk
Ineichen
B
B
Lawrenson
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal