title: [Regional differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practice in emergency contraceptive use among health sciences university students in Brazil].
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate regional differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practice in emergency contraception use among Brazilian university students. A sample of university students answered a semi-structured questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and practice related to emergency contraception and sexual behavior. Fisher's exact test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ninety-six percent (n = 588) of the students had heard of emergency contraception, and 19% (n = 111) knew all the situations in which emergency contraception is indicated, with statistical differences between regions of the country. Forty-two percent of sexually active women in the sample had already used emergency contraception; 35% (n = 207) of students equated emergency contraception with abortion; and 81% (n = 473) thought emergency contraception involves health risks. No significant difference was observed between regions of the country regarding use and attitudes towards emergency contraception. Inter-regional differences in knowledge had no impact on students' attitudes and practice in emergency contraception. National awareness-raising campaigns are needed to improve knowledge on emergency contraception.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. flavia_calanca@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Flávia Calanca da
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Maria Sylvia de Souza
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Vitalle
authors.forename: Hélcio de Sousa
authors.initials: Hde S
authors.lastname: Maranhão
authors.forename: Maria Helena Alves
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Canuto
authors.forename: Maria Marlene de Souza
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Pires
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fisberg
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001938:Brazil; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital