American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 196, Issue 1 , Pages 29.e1-29.e6, January 2007

Beyond access: Acceptability, use and nonuse of emergency contraception among young women

  • Corinne H. Rocca, MPH

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprints: Corinne H. Rocca, University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 50 Beale St, Suite 1200, UCSF Box 0886, San Francisco, CA, 94105.
    • ,
  • Eleanor B. Schwarz, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medicine, General Internal Medicine Section, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA.
    • ,
  • Felicia H. Stewart, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
    • ,
  • Philip D. Darney, MD, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
    • ,
  • Tina R. Raine, MD, MPH

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
    • ,
  • Cynthia C. Harper, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA

Objective

This study was undertaken to assess the acceptability of levonorgestrel emergency contraception (EC).

Study design

We examined attitudes and use patterns among 1950 women in a randomized trial evaluating access to EC through advance provision, pharmacies, or clinics.

Results

Most women considered EC to be safe (92%) and effective (98%). Compared with women with clinic access, women with direct pharmacy access were no more likely to use EC within 24 hours (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65, 95% CI = 0.82-3.30) or to report it very convenient (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.77-2.56). However, women with advance provisions were more likely to use EC promptly (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.24-4.80) and report high convenience (OR = 4.25, 95% CI = 2.32-7.76). Advance provision increased use by all women, whereas pharmacy access increased use only among condom users. Inconvenience and fear of side effects were common reasons for nonuse.

Conclusion

Women viewed EC favorably. Advance provision improved promptness and convenience of use overall, while pharmacy access benefited specific populations.

Key words: acceptability, emergency contraception, nonuse, pharmacy access, use

 

 Sources of financial support: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Compton Foundation, Inc, Open Society Institute, Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation, Women’s Capital Corporation, former distributor of Plan B, donated the emergency contraceptive pills.Cite this article as Rocca CH, Schwarz EB, Stewart FH, et al. Beyond access: Acceptability, use, and nonuse of emergency contraception among young women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2007;196:29.e1-29.e6

PII: S0002-9378(06)01162-8

doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2006.08.024

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 196, Issue 1 , Pages 29.e1-29.e6, January 2007