title: Characteristics of women who seek emergency contraception and family planning services.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare the demographic characteristics and sexual risk behaviors of women who seek emergency contraception (EC) and general family planning (FP) services.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study included 227 women aged 17-43 years who were being evaluated for either EC or FP in an outpatient setting from 2003-2004. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The EC group, compared with the FP group, had higher proportions of women with education beyond high school (62% vs 52%; P = .02), and not married (79% vs 42%; P < .01). The groups also differed by age, race, and income. The EC group was more likely to have been unprotected at their last intercourse (odds ratio, 5.56; 95% CI, 2.22, 14.29) and less likely to have a previous sexually transmitted infection (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.17, 0.96).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The development of EC education programs for women is important for increasing awareness for diverse groups of women and their healthcare providers.
authors: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI 02905, USA. mphipps@wihri.org
authors: Maureen G
authors: MG
authors: Phipps
authors: Kristen A
authors: KA
authors: Matteson
authors: Gema E
authors: GE
authors: Fernandez
authors: Leanne
authors: L
authors: Chiaverini
authors: Sherry
authors: S
authors: Weitzen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017533:Marital Status; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors