Author:

• Graziela Modolon Alano - Alano,G.M. - Tubarão, Santa Catarina - Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina - <graziela.alano@unisul.br>

Co-author(s):

• Luziane Righeto Miranda - Miranda, L.R. - Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina - <lurighetto@hotmail.com>
• Laise Nunes Costa - Costa, L.N. - Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina - <laise-costa@hotmail.com>
• Dayani Galato - GALATO, D - Tubarão, SC - Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina - <dayani.galato@unisul.br>

Thematic Area:

Assistência Farmacêutica

Abstract:

Emergency contraception has been used in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy. However, it should be conducted only in situations where more secure methods of contraception have failed. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge of and access to emergency contraception among female university students in southern Santa Catarina. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between September and October 2008. A questionnaire was administered to 360 women aged 18 to 45 years. Most belonged to B2 economy class or higher (74.2%) and 79.4 percent of them had already had sexual relations. Of these, 48.6 percent had used emergency contraception, which was more frequent among younger women. Emergency contraception was used 2.4 times, and 87.1 percent had used contraceptive methods within 24 hours after intercourse. Adverse reactions were reported by 20.9%, the most common being menstrual changes (44.8%) and nausea (44.8%). The reasons for using emergency contraception included the lack of condom use (44.6%) and condom break (39.6%). Fifteen percent of the interviewed women either did not answer the question on STD prevention or gave a wrong answer, while 97.8 percent denied having changed the method used routinely. Only 2.9 percent of the participants had acquired the medical prescription, and 35.3% had received medication guidance at the time of purchase.

Keywords:

Emergency Contraception (use) Morning-After Pill Women Students Sexually Transmitted Disease

Content:

Access Issue in Scielo

Other languages: