Beyond access: acceptability, use and nonuse of emergency contraception among young women.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to assess the acceptability of levonorgestrel emergency contraception (EC).


METHODS
We examined attitudes and use patterns among 1950 women in a randomized trial evaluating access to EC through advance provision, pharmacies, or clinics.


RESULTS
Most women considered EC to be safe (92%) and effective (98%). Compared with women with clinic access, women with direct pharmacy access were no more likely to use EC within 24 hours (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65, 95% CI = 0.82-3.30) or to report it very convenient (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.77-2.56). However, women with advance provisions were more likely to use EC promptly (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.24-4.80) and report high convenience (OR = 4.25, 95% CI = 2.32-7.76). Advance provision increased use by all women, whereas pharmacy access increased use only among condom users. Inconvenience and fear of side effects were common reasons for nonuse.


CONCLUSIONS
Women viewed EC favorably. Advance provision improved promptness and convenience of use overall, while pharmacy access benefited specific populations.
Rocca
Corinne H
CH
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA. crocca@globalhealth.ucsf.edu
Schwarz
Eleanor B
EB
Stewart
Felicia H
FH
Darney
Philip D
PD
Raine
Tina R
TR
Harper
Cynthia C
CC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires