EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION: A STUDY TO ASSESS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENTS IN DELHI

Background: Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) can reduce unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortions. This study was carried out among college students to assess knowledge and attitude practices regarding emergency contraceptive pills. Methods: The study was conducted among 220 female college students. A pretested questionnaire was used as the tool for the study. Results: 90% of the subjects were aware of emergency contraception pills. Television and internet was the major source of information regarding ECP. However, only 41% correctly knew about the timing when these pills should be taken i.e. within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. 38% of the women had a favourable attitude towards the use of ECP. Almost 10% had the misconception that ECP can be used to induce abortion. 12.7% women had used ECP in the past 1 year. The most common side effects reported were nausea and bleeding. Conclusion: Although the awareness about emergency contraceptive pills is quite high but the knowledge regarding the correct timing and usage is poor even among educated women. Apprehensions regarding the side-effects of these pills may limit their use by women. Information should be provided to women about the correct timing, side effects and precautions for using ECP.