Emergency Contraception: Providers' Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception about Prescription Barriers and their Relation with Users' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice at Tabriz Health Centers and Posts, 2010.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Emergency contraceptives are accessible and acceptable methods for most women. Their proper use could prevent about three quarters of unwanted pregnancies. This study was performed to determine provider knowledge, attitude and perception about prescription barriers regarding emergency contraception and their relation with users' knowledge, attitude and practice at Tabriz Health centers, posts. Methods and Materials: This descriptive –correlational study was done at 19 randomly selected health centers and 33 health posts in Tabriz, 2010. All 140 eligible health providers at the selected centers/ posts and two users of each selected provider who using contraceptive pills or condom (one user of each method) were studied. Data were collected by a self –administered questionnaire from the providers and by an interview with users and were analyzed by chi square, Fisher exact, Pearson and independent t test, using SPSS 13. Results: Mean score of the providers' knowledge and attitude were 69.4±11.8 and 70.1±12.8 respectively and mean score of the users' knowledge and attitude were 52.3±13.8 and 68.7±10.3, respectively (possible score rang was 0-100). Only one oral contraceptive methods within the last six months, had used this method. Overall, there was no significant correlation neither between the providers' and users' knowledge nor between their attitude scores. Also there was no significant correlation between the providers' knowledge and attitude with the users' practice (p>0.05). The most important prescription barriers for these methods from the providers' views were being worry about lack of attention to regular and correct use of reliable contraception methods, being worry about their side effects, and overloading of the health centers. Conclusion: The providers' knowledge on this method was insufficient and needs to be improved. However, this study showed there was no significant correlation between the providers' knowledge and attitude with the users' knowledge, attitude and practice. Thus in order to improve users' knowledge, attitude and practice in this area, it is not enough to improve provider knowledge and it is necessary to resolve other barriers, such as the barriers mentioned by the providers, as well.