Teenagers' knowledge of emergency contraception: questionnaire survey in south east Scotland

Abstract

Objective-To determine the level of knowledge of emergency contraception among 14 and 15 year olds.Design-Confidential questionnaire survey. Setting-10 secondary schools in Lothian, south east Scotland.Subjects-1206 pupils predominantly (98.7%) aged 14 and 15 in the fourth year of secondary school.Main outcome measures-Knowledge of the existence of emergency contraception; of its safety, efficacy, and time limits; and ofwhere to obtain it.Results-1121 (93.0%Y.) fourth year pupils aged 14-16 had heard of emergency contraception. 194 girls (32.7%) and 168 boys (27.5%) had experienced sexual intercourse. Ofgirls who had experienced sexual intercourse, 61 (31.4%) had used emergency contraception. Knowledge of correct time limits was poor, sexually active girls being the most knowledgeable. Pupils attending schools ranked lower than the national average for academic attainment were less likely to have heard ofemergency contraception and more likely to have been sexually active. 861 (76.8%) pupils knew they could obtain emergency contraception from their doctor. 925 (82.5%) pupils believed emergency contraception to be effective but 398 (35.5%) thought it more dangerous than the oral contraceptive pill.Conclusions-One third of sexually active girls aged under 16 in Lothian have used emergency contraception. This may help explain the fairly constant teenage pregnancy rates despite increasing sexual activity. Scottish teenagers are well informed about the existence of emergency contraception. However, many do not know when and how to access it properly. Health education initiatives should target teenagers from less academic schools as they are more likely to be sexually active at a young age and are less well informed about emergency contraception.

Emergency Contraception: Knowledge and Practices of Tertiary Students in Osun State, South Western Nigeria

“…School was the most commonly cited source of sex education (24.3%). This is similar to findings in a study conducted in south east Scotland [19]. Partners' approval contributes significantly to emergency contraceptive use.…”

Does readily available emergency contraception increase women's awareness and use?

“…The percentage of women who had previous abortions (44%) was similar to that reported in other studies 16,17,27,29 . Women who are seeking abortion are at risk of future unintended pregnancy and should receive sufficient information regarding EC and encouragement to use more effective regular contraceptive options following an abortion.…”

“…We do not think this age difference influenced the results of the study, and if anything, women in group 1 should have had more information about the ECP as they were younger. This differential in knowledge related to age has been reported in other studies [15][16][17][18][19][20] suggesting that the younger generation is better informed about current contraceptive options probably through improved sex education programmes in schools 20 .…”

Turkish Adolescents' Knowledge on and Attitude toward Emergency Contraception

“…14 A study in Scotland showed that one third of sexually experienced students had used emergency contraception; a number which is very high compared to our population. 15 In a Swedish study, among all teenagers who had had sexual intercourse, one in four stated that they had used emergency contraception. This study revealed that the maximal time span between unprotected intercourse and initiation of treatment was not readily recognized.…”