Anticoncepción de emergencia en estudiantes universitarios. ¿Qué tanto usan y conocen este método los jóvenes?

Abstract

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge that a group of university students have about emergency contraception, in addition to knowing how often they use these methods. Methods: Quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional research. A survey was applied to all the students of the Physiopathology course of the Pharmacy and Bioanalysis Faculty of the Universidad de Los Andes in Mérida-Venezuela. The data collection instrument was validated by Matzumura-Kasano in her research and was used with previous authorization, in addition, a review of the literature was made, inquiring about the most controversial aspects of emergency contraceptives. Results: 87 people surveyed, between 21 and 36 years old, 66 women. Seventy-seven percent actively have sexual intercourse. 59.8 % have never received information on emergency contraception methods. 71.2 % know the ideal time to use postcoital contraceptives. 89.7% consider that emergency contraceptives are not safe and have repercussions on health, 82.8% think that they are not effective in preventing pregnancy and 53% do not know how they work. Conclusion: There is little education about emergency contraceptives among the respondents, most of them do not know how they work. Most of the respondents know the ideal time to use postcoital methods, but consider that they are not safe, have health repercussions and are not effective in preventing pregnancy, which demonstrates the need to inform the population.