Knowledge and Use of Emergency Contraception: A Multicountry Analysis

• DOI: 10.1363/4007914
• Publication Date: 2014-07-22T15:23:54Z
• Authors: Tia Palermo; Jennifer Bleck; Elizabeth Westley
• Keywords: Marital status; Emergency Contraception; Odds

Emergency contraception has been called "the best-kept secret" in reproductive health because, despite its unique potential for helping women prevent pregnancies and fulfill their intentions, rates of use counseling about the method are quite low. 1 Since introduction dedicated emergency contraceptive pills mid-1990s, there relatively little research into success uptake developing countries.This lack analysis on meant that guidance is available concrete strategies to expand access method.Even such countries as Mexico, Kenya Nigeria, which receive significant investment from donors, NGOs or governments expanding access, documentation programmatic evaluation impact exists.Most studies assess patterns knowledge have conducted limited, nonrandom samples, rather than population-based data.Studies Ghana, Jamaica sampled purchasing pharmacies, 2-4 while Honduras, Egypt China at care facilities. [5][][7][8][9][10] Exceptions include individual cities Nigeria Kenya. 11,12The limited data indicate with highest those higher levels education; 2,[5][6][7][8]11 living urban regions; 6 who currently use, 7,8,10 ever used, 11 a modern contraceptive.Because most existing generalizability, we addressed gaps by analyzing nationally representative 45 Africa, Asia, Europe West Latin America Caribbean.We investigate proportion heard sexually experienced used it, examine individual-, household-and community-level characteristics associated having method.We hypothesize more highly educated, wealthier, younger may odds other women. METHODS Data SampleData this come Demographic Health Surveys (DHS), population-level household surveys provide high-quality wide range CONTEXT: Globally, evidence though information would be helpful increasing examined using survey data.METHODS: Survey (DHS) aged 15-49 were analyzed country logistic regressions identify associations between women's it.Trends examined, region globally, according individual, community descriptors, including age, education, marital status, socioeconomic rural location. RESULTS:The had ranged 2% Chad 66% Colombia, it less 0.1% 12% Colombia.The generally increased wealth, although relationship status knowing varied region, never-married likely married where differences existed.In some countries, residence was method, but only three areas it.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support need broader dissemination contraception, particularly among low-income individuals.Variations within regions suggest programs tailored country-level characteristics.