Lack of Awareness about Uses of Emergency Contraceptives Pills - A Community Based Study

Abstract

Background: Unintended pregnancies remain a major public health concern, often resulting from limited awareness and inadequate use of contraceptives. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are a safe and effective method to prevent unintended pregnancies, yet knowledge and awareness about their correct use remain poor in many low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and factors associated with knowledge of ECPs among women of reproductive age in a community setting.

Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2023 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BSMMU, Dhaka. A total of 120 women aged 15–49 years were enrolled using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with adequate awareness.

Results: Among 120 participants, 58.3% had heard of ECPs, but only 23.3% demonstrated adequate awareness. Knowledge of correct timing was limited, with 37.5% aware of use within 72 hours and 26.7% up to 120 hours. Misconceptions were common, including beliefs that ECPs cause infertility (28.3%) or induce abortion (33.3%). Media (37.5%) and friends/relatives (31.7%) were the main information sources. Education and media exposure were significant independent predictors of adequate awareness (AOR 4.1; 95% CI 1.6–10.5; p = 0.003 and AOR 3.5; 95% CI 1.1–11.2; p = 0.032, respectively).

Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge of ECPs remain suboptimal among women in the community. Educational initiatives and media-based interventions are crucial to dispel misconceptions and improve awareness.