title: Emergency contraception knowledge among nurse practitioner students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to ascertain the knowledge level of nurse practitioner (NP) students about emergency contraception (EC), and to explore attitudes about EC that may intersect with willingness to prescribe EC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four hundred and sixty-seven NP students completed a 30-item web-based survey using Vovici survey software.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Students who reported formal content on EC in their program of study showed significantly better mean knowledge scores (t= 5.279, df = 459, p < .001). Gaps in NP students' knowledge of EC mechanisms of action, understanding of indications and contraindications were apparent. Younger students (F(3,457) = 4.994, p < .002), those newer to nursing (F(4,456) = 6.641, p < .0005), and women's health NP students (F(4,445) = 3.488, p < .008), demonstrated significantly better knowledge. Attitudes regarding EC appeared to be tied to the respondent's knowledge about EC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledge is an important factor in informing NP practice decisions. Clinicians need accurate, evidence-based knowledge to provide health education and counseling to reproductive age women if unintended pregnancies are to be reduced.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614-2598, USA. carolyn.lee@utoledo.edu
authors.forename: Carolyn J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ahonen
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Apling
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bork
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D037001:Directive Counseling; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D013338:Students, Nursing; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult