Characteristics of women who seek emergency contraception and family planning services
Received 6 August 2007; received in revised form 12 November 2007; accepted 8 February 2008. published online 25 March 2008.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to compare the demographic characteristics and sexual risk behaviors of women who seek emergency contraception (EC) and general family planning (FP) services.
Study Design
This cross-sectional study included 227 women aged 17-43 years who were being evaluated for either EC or FP in an outpatient setting from 2003-2004. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios were included.
Results
The EC group, compared with the FP group, had higher proportions of women with education beyond high school (62% vs 52%; P = .02), and not married (79% vs 42%; P < .01). The groups also differed by age, race, and income. The EC group was more likely to have been unprotected at their last intercourse (odds ratio, 5.56; 95% CI, 2.22, 14.29) and less likely to have a previous sexually transmitted infection (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.17, 0.96).
Conclusion
The development of EC education programs for women is important for increasing awareness for diverse groups of women and their healthcare providers.
aDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI
bDepartment of Community Health, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI
cThe Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI
dRhode Island Department of Health, Providence, RI.
Reprints: Maureen G. Phipps, MD, MPH, Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley St, Providence, RI 02905.
Cite this article as: Phipps MG, Matteson KA, Fernandez GE, et al. Characteristics of women who seek emergency contraception and family planning services. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008;199:111.e1-111.e5.
ABSTRACT