Abstract:
Background: With global expansion of contraceptive information and services, contraceptive technologies have
continually improved and contraceptive prevalence has risen throughout most of the world. Emergency contraceptive
pills have become more available in many developing countries. However, limited provider knowledge and negative
attitudes, as well as poor user awareness and access, have hindered clients in learning about and using it. The aim of
the present study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of EC and also barriers to its use among the
antenatal care attendees of Sululta health centers.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Sululta health centres from January to February 2013/2014.
Eighty seven Antenatal care attendees were interviewed. Pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect
data.
Results: Of the 87 women included in the study 23 (26.4%) reported that the current pregnancy was unplanned and 5
(5.7%) reported that they had induced abortion in the previous years. Of the study participants 25 (28.7%) had ever
heard about EC. Whereas only 6 (6.9%) of the women had actually used EC. The preferred places for the provision of
EC were public hospitals 2 (8%), health centers 17(68%), private clinics 3 (12%) & pharmacies 11 (44%).
Conclusions: This study showed that the major barrier to the use of EC is lack of awareness & also there is demand
for education.
