Using the theory of reasoned action to explain physician intention to prescribe emergency contraception.
BACKGROUND
Although research has examined providers' knowledge, attitudes and prescribing behaviors with regard to emergency contraception, none has used a theory-based approach to understanding the interplay of these factors.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 96 faculty physicians from one Southern and three Midwestern universities was conducted in 2004 to assess factors associated with intention to prescribe emergency contraception. The theory of reasoned action guided the study hypotheses and survey design. Correlation and regression analyses were used to examine the data.


RESULTS
Only 42% of respondents strongly intended to prescribe emergency contraception for teenagers, but 65-77% intended to do so for all other specified groups (women who ask for the method, who have had a method problem, who have experienced rape or incest, and who have had unprotected sex). Consistent with the theory of reasoned action, high intention to prescribe emergency contraception was associated with positive attitudes toward doing so and with the perception that specific colleagues or professional groups support prescribing it; however, the perception of support by colleagues or professional groups in general did not predict intention. Also consistent with the theory, physicians' knowledge about emergency contraception and their demographic characteristics were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Interventions to encourage physicians to provide emergency contraception should take into account their attitudes toward the method and the components of those attitudes.
School of Social Work, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA. SableM@missouri.edu
Marjorie R
MR
Sable
Lisa R
LR
Schwartz
Patricia J
PJ
Kelly
Eleanor
E
Lisbon
Matthew A
MA
Hall
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015206:Southwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital