Emergency contraception knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers among providers at a military treatment facility.
The safety and efficacy of postcoital administration of oral contraceptives, commonly called "emergency contraception pills" (ECPs), have been well documented; nonetheless, this method of preventing pregnancy is underused in the United States. Through the use of surveys, the current study assessed providers' knowledge, prescribing practices, attitudes, and barriers regarding ECPs at a military treatment facility in the southwest United States. Results showed a lack of knowledge of ECP provision, with 34% believing treatment had to be initiated in 48 or fewer hours, and 60% believing two doses must be taken within 24 hours or more of each other. Slightly more than one- half (54.4%) of the providers reported having prescribed an ECP; those who had prescribed had more positive attitudes about ECPs. Perceived barriers included women not asking for ECPs, concerns about safety of ECPs, and issues regarding liability. A discrepancy between providers' perceived and actual knowledge about ECPs supports the need for better education for all providers who care for women.
Chung-Park
Min
M
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Box 555191, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055, USA.
D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D010465:Perception; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral