Knowledge, attitude and practices of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) among women visiting a tertiary care rural hospital

About 13% of pregnancy-related mortality worldwide is due to unsafe abortions. Unwanted births can be detrimental to children’s health and well-being. This analysis will help policy makers to have modified and better approaches. There is paucity of data regarding emergency contraception in this part of India. Emergency contraception should be promoted as a ‘back-up’ method when regular methods are not used, used incorrectly or fail for other reasons. A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 randomly selected women in the age group of 18–35 years, through pretested predesigned questionnaire. The answers were analyzed statistically and result was obtained. 27% women had heard of emergency contraceptive pills (ECP). 13.2% knew about the details of consumption. 24% of those who had heard of it gave brand names to the pills. 13.2% women had basic information about emergency contraception. Women had an unfavorable attitude towards ECPs. 80% women had fear of side effects. 92% said doctor’s consent is essential before consuming ECPs. Use of ECPs was chosen by 21.42% women. 12% reported a previous history of having used an ECP. Major source of information was television and radio (88%). Only 56% women reported use of any kind if contraceptive method. IUCDs were the method of choice for most women. The knowledge of ECPs is poor, attitude unfavorable, only few practiced the use of ECPs. There is need of awareness campaigns, greater availability and easy access.