Characteristics of women who seek emergency contraception and family planning services

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.

Key words: contraception, emergency contraception, sexual risk behavior, women's health