Counseling Program for Married Women Regarding Emergency Contraceptive Methods

Background: Emergency contraception is known as the type of contraception that is used as an emergency measure to avoid unplanned pregnancy following unprotected sexual intercourse. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of counseling programs for married women regarding emergency contraceptive methods. Setting: Family medicine centers affiliated to El Zawia El-Hamra area at Cairo Governorate. Sample: A simple random sample includes 186 married women of reproductive age. Method: A quasi-experimental design was used. Tools: First tool: A structured interviewing questionnaire consisting of four parts was used. Part I: To assess the socio-demographic characteristics of married women, Part II: To assess married women's reproductive history Part III: To assess married women's family planning history, and Part IV: To assess knowledge about emergency contraception methods. Second tool: To assess married women's attitudes about emergency contraception methods. Third tool: To assess married women's intention and willingness to use emergency contraceptive methods Results: The current study showed a highly statistically significant difference between the married women's total knowledge and their attitude regarding emergency contraceptive methods pre/post counseling program. Conclusion: Findings of this study concluded that there was poor knowledge about the emergency contraceptive methods among married women, at reproductive age, which in turn affected their attitudes towards using them. Highly statistically significant improvements occurred in the total score of knowledge and their attitudes post-counseling program. As well, following the implementation of the counseling program, women's intention to use emergency contraceptive methods increased. Recommendations: Improving family planning program information about emergency contraceptive methods, education and communication activities for husbands and wives through mass media and a clear language booklet, and simplified brochures and increasing awareness among the general public and health care providers.