ABSTRACT: | Full Text PDF

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of emergency contraception in women population at Larkana.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODOLOGY: Cross sectional study conducted between June 2009 to January 2010 at out patient department of Shaikh Zayed Hospital for Women Chandka Medical College Shaheed Muhtarma Benazeer Bhutto Medical University at Larkana. 800 women, who came to hospital in gynaecology department and postnatal clinics were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire.

RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 800 women were interviewed. Age range of women varied from 18 to 45 years. 72 (9%) of these women were literate (up to matriculate).Only 208(26%) were knowing about some method related to contraception. 120 (15%) of them had just heard about emergency contraception (EC). Among them 24(3%) women admitted that they had used EC one or other time in their life. While From 3% women who used EC, 16(2%) had got tab: Postinar and 6(0.75 %) used oral birth control pills as EC. Only2 (0.25%) went for Copper IUCD insertion. None of them knew the timing and dose of ECPs properly.1% women knew wrongly that EC should be taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse and even when periods are missed.0.3% knew incorrectly that EC is 100% effective. 85% women thought that every woman should know about emergency contraception.

CONCLUSION: Although the Family Planning providers are working hard to reach far flung areas, but still the women