title: Use of emergency contraception by US teens: effect of access on promptness of use and satisfaction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effect of policies regarding access to emergency contraception (EC) on teens' promptness of EC use and satisfaction with EC access experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  Online survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Females, ages 14 to 19, who had engaged in unprotected intercourse at a time when they were aware of EC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outcomes included promptness of EC use and satisfaction with EC access experience. Outcomes were compared according to method of obtaining EC and state policies regarding EC access.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Surveys were completed by 531 teens from 49 states; 58% were Caucasian and 14% were African American. Only 48% of participants reported ever using EC. Teens who obtained EC without a prescription were more likely to use EC within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse (odds ratio = 2.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-4.44). Minors who obtained EC in pharmacist-access states were more likely to be satisfied with their EC access experience (odds ratio = 3.05; 95% confidence interval: 1.11-8.35).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fewer than half of participants had used EC, despite being aware of EC at the time of unprotected intercourse. Policies allowing minors to access EC without a prescription may increase timely use of EC.
authors: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. arubin@nemours.org
authors: Alison G
authors: AG
authors: Rubin
authors: Melanie A
authors: MA
authors: Gold
authors: Yeonhee
authors: Y
authors: Kim
authors: Eleanor B
authors: EB
authors: Schwarz