Emergency contraception: knowledge and attitudes of family medicine providers.
OBJECTIVE
Emergency contraception (EC) is an underutilized method of preventing unplanned pregnancy. This study assessed family physicians' and nurse providers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about EC.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was distributed to faculty, residents, and clinic nurses in a Midwestern department of family medicine. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Statistical significance was tested by chi-square test, Student's t test, and Mann-Whitney U test where appropriate.


RESULTS
Seventy-eight providers participated (response rate 81%). Seventy-four percent of physicians have prescribed EC in the past, with an average of 3.2 (range 0-10) times in the last year. The majority of providers reported that they were familiar with indications (96%) and protocols (78%) for prescribing EC, yet knowledge inaccuracies were identified. Overall attitudes regarding EC were positive.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the majority of participating providers were willing to prescribe EC and had generally favorable attitudes toward it, rates of providing this therapy were low. There was a discrepancy between providers' perceived and actual knowledge about EC. Interventions targeting misunderstandings might help reduce missed opportunities to provide EC.
Wallace
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0239, USA.
Wu
Justine
J
Weinstein
Jamie
J
Gorenflo
Daniel W
DW
Fetters
Michael D
MD
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009726:Nurses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*