Knowledge of emergency contraception among nursing students of Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly.

ABSTRACT

Background & Objectives: Even after so many years of introduction of ECP, its awareness among community members as well as providers is very low. To assess the knowledge towards emergency contraception among nursing students. Methods: The cross sectional study involved a survey amongst married nursing students of Rohilkhand Medical College, Bareilly. A structured pretested schedule was used to collect data. Chi- square test was used to analyze data. Results: Nearly two third (32 out of 50) of females had heard about EC. Respondents who were aware of EC most commonly reported that they had first heard about EC from television (68.75%). Majority of those aware knew about pills (87.5%). Majority (85.5%) of subjects who had heard of EC knew that they could obtain EC from a chemist. In addition, most participants (81.25%) knew about the appropriate interval for efficacy between unprotected sex and taking EC. Nearly one third respondents had ever used an emergency contraception method. Only 34.0% were aware of side effects of an emergency contraceptive. Conclusion: Correct knowledge about EC should be strengthened among the health providers. This will help to reduce the number of induced abortions in future among them as well as general population.