Knowledge and Perception of Emergency Contraception of Women in Shahrekord-Iran

Objective: the aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitude about emergencycontraception among women using condom, coitus interruptus and rhythm methods.materials and methods: between april and september 2006, 400 women referring to the healthcenters in shahrekord, were evaluated. they entered the study if they were using condom, coitusinterruptus or rhythm methods. a questionnaire including demographic information, contraceptivemethod in use, and patients' awareness and attitude/practice about emergency contraception wascompleted for each participant.results: of the 400 responders, 60.5% were using condom, 38.7% were using coitus interruptus and0.8% were practicing rhythm method. the awareness was inadequate in 22.5% of women, moderate in55% and adequate in 22% of them. the attitude of users was positive in more than 70% of them andonly 20.5% of women had practiced emergency contraception. the relation of age and job withawareness was significant (p<0.001). a significant relation was considered between the level ofeducation and knowledge of women (p<0.01). the women who had adequate knowledge had practicedthe emergency contraception better than those with inadequate knowledge (p<0.001). however, only27.1% of responders who reported knowing about emergency contraception knew the correct timeframe in which emergency contraceptives must be used.conclusion: there is a critical need to train the women about emergency contraception, emphasizingavailable methods and correct timing.