Advantages and disadvantages of over-the-counter availability of emergency contraception.
OBJECTIVE
To compare usage patterns, accessibility and knowledge about over-the counter (OTC) emergency contraception (EC) in comparison to prescription-only EC.


METHODS
Self-designed, paper-based validated questionnaires containing 26 questions were distributed among students and high school pupils in Poland (PL) - 1000 questionnaires and in Lithuania (LT) - 650. In Lithuania EC is available OTC, whereas in Poland EC is a prescription-only drug. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software with p<0.05 considered significant.


RESULTS
74.01% of Poles and 70.89% of Lithuanians reported a history of sexual activity. About one third of the respondents in both countries used EC at least once in a lifetime (PL: 29.01%, LT: 32.2%; p>0.05). The main reason for EC usage in both countries was a broken condom (PL: 60.63%, LT: 57.66 %; p>0.05). In case of emergency more than half of the questioned women in both countries would use EC pill. The knowledge about EC was significantly lower in Poland (PL median - 8 out of 16; LT - 10 out of 16 true/false statements; p<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Over-the-counter availability of EC does not cause repetitive or increased usage. Moreover, an easier access to EC improves patients' knowledge about the drug.
Students' Research Group at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. iszymusik@aol.com.
Elzbieta
E
Bumbul
Students' Research Group at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
Magdalena
M
Starek
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. iszymusik@aol.com.
Iwona
I
Szymusik
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
Bronislawa
B
Pietrzak
Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Zana
Z
Bumbuliene
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
Katarzyna
K
Kosinska-Kaczynska
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
Miroslaw
M
Wielgos
D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008097:Lithuania; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011044:Poland; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs