Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning PubHealthInfo

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PubHealth.info® (a subsidiary of PakMed) presents scientific information mainly based on abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health issues/topics, particularly encompassing population planning, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and communicable and non-communicable diseases (like HIV AIDS, malaria, etc) that are affecting a significant portion of population in developing and developed countries. Here you can find abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health topics under category "Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning". Contraception (birth control) is a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth. Therefore contraception is the utilization of various and sundry surgical procedures, devices, practices, agents, or drugs with the intention of preventing conception or impregnation (pregnancy). Methods and intentions typically termed birth control may be considered a pivotal ingredient to family planning. Birth control is a controversial political and ethical issue in many cultures and religions, and although it is generally less controversial than abortion specifically.

YEAR: 1995

CATEGORY: Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning

TITLE

The emergency contraceptive pill: a survey of knowledge and attitudes among

students at Princeton University.

AUTHORS

Harper CC; Ellertson CE

SOURCE

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY. 1995

ABSTRACT

A random survey was conducted using the campus voice mail system among 550 students of Princeton University to

determine their knowledge of and attitudes about postcoital contraception (which has been available at the university

health center for more than 15 years). The survey elicited a response rate of 82% and included demographic

information in the data collected. The results showed that 95% (>98% of the undergraduates) of the sample knew

about emergency oral contraception (EOC), but 52% of the respondents could not distinguish EOC from RU-486, only

38% knew that the correct time of use was within 72 hours, only 26% knew that EOC was a regimen which used a

large dose of combined oral contraceptives, and 25% knew that the effectiveness of EOC is 75%. 54% of the

students believed that EOC is associated with unpleasant side effects, and 7% thought there would be serious side

effects (this attitude was significantly related to nonendorsement). Only 12% of the students correctly identified the

fertile period in the menstrual cycle and understood the timing factors associated with EOC. 80% of the students

approved of EOC, and 91% approved in cases of rape. Those who identified themselves as Democrats were

significantly more likely to approve, and those who were highly religious were significantly less likely. Ethical

concerns were cited by 32% of the respondents, and 57% had health concerns. 84% felt that EOC was readily

accessible, but only 43% knew it was available throughout the week. 30% of the students had experience with a

situation in which more information about EOC would have been helpful. Regression analysis of these findings

revealed that approval was higher among students who knew the ingredients and side effects of EOC, knew of a

situation where it would have been helpful, were not religious, and/or were Democrats. Ethical concerns were

associated with health concerns, strong religious feeling, Republican affiliation, and a lack of knowledge about

ingredients. (PubHealth.info Document ID: CONT2T 2584-06)

PubHealth.info NOTE: The author(s) of this article titled, "The emergency contraceptive pill: a survey of knowledge

and attitudes among students at Princeton University.", is(are) Harper CC; Ellertson CE. The source of this article

is "AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY. 1995 Nov;173(5):1438-45.". This article was

published in 1995 in English language(s). (PubHealth.info® Document ID: CONT2T 2584-06. All rights reserved with

PubHealth.info) PIN: 7584

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