The knowledge of pharmacists regarding emergency contraception
Z. Kozinszky, G. Bártfai
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Szeged, Szeged,
Hungary
Introduction: The widespreading of emergency contraception could
decrease the high abortion rate in Hungary.
Aims and methods: The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge
of pharmacists regarding emergency contraception. In a questionnaire survey
performed in four counties in Hungary, 136 pharmacists answered questions
designed to test their knowledge regarding emergency contraception. The
statistical analysis was tested with the chi-square probes.
Results: Almost all of the pharmacists were aware of the maximum
interval of use of emergency contraceptive pill (EC) use after an unprotected
intercourse and the time interval between the two doses of EC pill (96% and 98%,
respectively). Almost three-quarters (70%) knew the most fertile period of the
cycle, as the most proposed time-interval for the use of EC pills. The awareness
of the side effects of the combined emergency contraceptive pills was extremely
high (100%). The knowledge of failure rate of EC pills was low (24.3%).
Seventy-eight per cent knew that EC pills can not prevent pregnancy after
implantation. Almost ninety percent believed that the EC is the only one
available contraception after an unprotected intercourse.
Conclusions: Pharmacists’ knowledge of emergency contraception is of
paramount importance to make EC pills available overthe- counter and easier
access for the indigent women to receive proper advice. EC could be more
propagated for the teenagers and risk groups concerning contraception.
