Publication:

Knowledge of, attitude toward and professional experience with emergency contraceptives among physicians in Sikkim, India

Background Objective of current study was to assess knowledge of, attitude toward and professional experience with emergency contraceptives (EC) among doctors practicing in Sikkim, India.

Methods Between November 2012 to June 2013, a pre-designed, pretested, self-administered anonymous questionnaire was sent to the doctors practicing in different hospitals of Sikkim. The questionnaire included items on knowledge, attitude, and professional experience of doctors with EC.

Results Of the 285 doctors invited, 210 (73.7%) returned the questionnaire. Although the entire participant responded that they were aware of EC, objective assessment revealed limited knowledge on various aspects of EC. Correct time frame of EC pills use was aware by 63%, while only 45% were aware of correct dosage regime of levonorgestrel pill. Actual level of knowledge was present only in 48.6% doctors. Misconceptions about EC were common, more than half of the doctors felt that easy availability and promotion might increase sexual promiscuity and discourage use of regular contraceptives. Twenty percent doctor used EC either for themselves or for their spouses. Only 42.4% doctors ever recommended or prescribed EC to their clients. Those who never recommended or prescribed EC, the common reasons offered were their concerns that EC may discourage use of regular contraceptives (63.6%), may increase sexual promiscuity (46.3%) and their inadequate knowledge (43.8%).

Conclusions Knowledge and professional experience about emergency contraception among participant doctors was inadequate. EC should be included in continuing medical educational programmes, in workshops and seminars for doctors, which would be helpful in creating awareness and remove misconception about EC among doctors.