Information, education and communication for emergency contraception.

ABSTRACT

The utilisation of the emergency contraception pills is very low both in the public and private sectors. The major reason for this under-utilisation is the lack of awareness about the method among the users or the providers. A real need arises to aware the potential users or the healthcare providers like obstetrician and gynaecologists, medical practitioners, family planning counsellors, nurses and ANMs. Wider dissemination of information, education and communication about emergency contraception relating to the proper usage, mode of action and provision is the need. The information, education and communication materials developed should always be in languages socioculturally appropriate to the target audience. Mass media like TV, newspapers and women's magazine should also be included for dissemination of messages. Service providers should be informed correctly about the method. Healthcare providers would need basic scientific information of the contents of the emergency contraception pills, mode of action, indications, contra-indications, etc. Emphasis should be put on the method for use only as an emergency or 'second chance' when a primary method is not used or has failed.