Knowledge and Awareness of Emergency Contraception in Adolescents

Abstract 

Study Objective

The purpose of this study was to (1) describe the awareness of emergency contraception among adolescent females, (2) identify factors that are associated with accurate knowledge of emergency contraception and (3) describe prior use of emergency contraception among adolescent females.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study procedures were carried out at Kapiolani Medical Center's Teen Clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii, which is comprised of an ambulatory university-based resident clinic.

Participants

English-speaking females who were between the ages of 14 and 19 were invited to participate.

Interventions

This study utilized a self-administered, anonymous survey that contained questions regarding emergency contraception as well as questions on reproductive and sexual health.

Main Outcome Measure

The primary outcome was percentage of adolescent women who were aware of emergency contraceptives.

Results

A total of 100 surveys were distributed and collected. Fifty-six percent of respondents had an awareness of emergency contraception and 69.6% of these adolescents were able to correctly list an emergency contraceptive method. Older teens were more likely to have an awareness of emergency contraception but we did not find any other factors that were associated with accurate knowledge of emergency contraception. Adolescents who had used emergency contraception in the past found it to be acceptable.

Conclusions

Despite being at high risk for unintended pregnancy, adolescents in this population had lower rates of emergency contraceptive awareness in than has been reported in adults.

Key Words: Adolescents, Emergency contraception, Sexual behavior, Unintended pregnancy