Assessment of Nurse's Knowledge, and Perception Regarding Emergency Contraception

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University,

2 Obstetrics and gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University

Abstract

Background: Use of emergency contraceptive methods, provides a second chance to
prevent unintended pregnancy and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Aim: The aim of the
study was to assess nurses' knowledge and perception regarding emergency contraception.
Setting: The study was conducted at obstetrics and gynecology departments at both benha
university hospital and benha educational hospital. Design:A descriptive study design was
utilized. Sampling:A convenient sample included 105 nurses. Tools: Structured self
administered questionnaire and modified likert scale. Results: The present study revealed that
78.5% of studied nurses had poor knowledge regarding ECPs, 73.1% had poor knowledge
regarding emergency contraceptive IUD, moreover, 59.1% had poor knowledge regarding
efficiency of emergency contraception, 72% of them did not receive any training courses in the
last two years, and 100% didn’t use EC. Conclusion: More than half of the studied nurses had
poor knowledge regarding emergency contraceptive methods, nearly two-fifth of the studied
nurses had negative attitude regarding emergency contraceptive methods. Recommendations:
Implementation of training programs regarding emergency contraception and in-service training
are recommended to improve nurses knowledge and perception regarding EC.

Keywords