Descriptive Study on a Nationwide Exploratory Questionnaire Survey of Emergency Contraceptive Pills and Their Sexual History and Knowledge in Japan

Abstract

A shift towards obtaining emergency contraceptives without a prescription have been discussed in Japan. In response to this social background, we aimed at investigating the background of sexual intercourse, emergency contraceptive use, and knowledge of sexual and reproductive health education among women of reproductive age in Japan. In this study, we conducted a national wide cross-sectional questionnaire survey using a total of 4 web-based domains (background, sexual history, emergency contraceptives, and sexual and reproduction-related knowledge) composed of 50 questions. We obtained responses from a total of 4,631 participants of varying age groups (18–25, 26–35, and 36–45 years old) and 47 prefectures (84 to 118 from each prefecture). Among participant responses, 69.7% are sexually active, of which 49.0% had experiences of sexual intercourse with an unknown person. The responses from a total of 737 participants who have sexual intercourse, know of emergency contraceptives, and have experienced a situation that necessitated the use of emergency contraceptives, were analyzed. Of these participants, 46.4% (342/737) took emergency contraceptives, while 43.6% (321/737) participants did not take emergency contraceptives. Participants who have the knowledge for obtaining emergency contraceptives through the correct means were 52.6% (2438/4631). This study showed that approximately half of participants may not have correct knowledge of emergency contraceptives. In addition, approximately half of sexually active participants are facing unintended pregnancies due to a lack of sexual and reproductive awareness. Hence, comprehensive sex education is necessary to achieve social and regulatory changes centered on emergency contraceptives.