Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding emergency contraceptive pills among female health workers of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi

Abstract

Background: Unsafe abortion is a major public health problem in low-and-middle income countries. Young and unmarried women constitute a high risk group for unsafe abortions. Use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) may significantly reduce the abortion-related morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) about ECPs among female health workers of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Methods: In this hospital based cross-sectional study, 187 female health workers (nurses and midwives) were participated. A predesigned, 26-item questionnaire was used to collect participants’ responses regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of ECP. Descriptive analysis of data was done by using SPSS-version 16. Results: Total 187 female health workers (95 nurses and 92 midwives) were participated in the study. Mean age of study participants was 23.5±7.31. Mean knowledge score of the study participants was 3.7±2.18 (Out of score: 1-10). Majority participants 151 (80.7%) had inadequate knowledge (score ≤50%) about ECP. The mean attitude score of the study participants was 20.9±2.68 (Out of score: 8-32). Significant number 84 (45 %) of participants had negative (score ≤50%) attitudes towards ECPs. Conclusions: There was gap in knowledge and negative attitude towards ECP were identified among female health workers. There was a need to bridge the gap of knowledge on ECP and remove the misconception about the use and safety of ECP among female health workers.