POPLINE Document Number: 059661
Author(s):
Burton R
Savage W
Reader F
Source citation:
British Journal of Family Planning, 1990 Jan;15(4):119-21.
Abstract:
88 abortion clients were surveyed regarding their knowledge of postcoital contraception in August-September 1988 in Tower Hamlets Health Authority, London. 65% had heard of the "morning after pill", but of these only 19% know of the 72-hour time limit. 9% thought the time limit was earlier. Examples of confusion over the popular name included: 2 women thought it was a pill to be taken "the morning after;" 1 woman said it was taken every morning; another thought it was for morning sickness; 3 believed it was to be used only in case of rape- -not for"ordinary women;" 1 thought it was illegal. 4 women stated that they had thought of using it, but did not know the time limit. In this rest of the group of abortion clients, 42% of abortions could have been avoided by postcoital treatment. 81% said that they would have used postcoital contraception if they had known about it. It is strongly suggested that a public information campaign for laypeople, general practitioners, medical students, nurses and teachers be set up, and that the name of postcoital contraception be changed to "emergency contraception." Information about postcoital contraception should be included in the package inserts for barrier contraceptives and spermicides.
Keywords:
United KingdomIndex page
Acceptance Process
Public Relations
Family Planning Education
Fertility Control, Postcoital
Contraceptive Agents, Postcoital
KAP Surveys
Community Surveys
Abortion
Information
Misinformation
Emergency Contraception
Developed Countries
Europe, Western
Europe
Decision Making
Behavior
Communication
Education
Family Planning
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents
Contraception
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Fertility Control, Postconception