Edwards C, Panjwani D, Pendrith C, Ly A, Dunn S. Knowledge of and Interest in the Copper Intrauterine Device Among Women Seeking Emergency Contraception.
JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2017;
40:41-47. [PMID:
28780215 DOI:
10.1016/j.jogc.2017.05.027]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Emergency contraception (EC) includes hormonal pills (levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) and the copper IUD (Cu-IUD). The Cu-IUD is more effective for EC than hormonal pills but remains underused, possibly because of lack of knowledge or interest. The objective of this study was to examine knowledge of and interest in the Cu-IUD for EC among Canadian women seeking EC.
METHODS
The study used a cross-sectional convenience survey of English-speaking women presenting for EC at two sexual health clinics in Toronto. The anonymous paper-based survey was completed in the waiting room. The main outcome measures were women's knowledge of and interest in the Cu-IUD for EC. Demographic and reproductive health data were also collected.
RESULTS
Between January and December 2013, 124 surveys were completed. Mean age of respondents was 26 years (SD ± 6.9). Most were single (85%), and over one half had completed postsecondary education. Overall, 77% had heard of the Cu-IUD, but only 21% were aware of its use for EC. Over 50% were aware that the Cu-IUD is hormone-free and may be used for long-term contraception. Women were less familiar with the window of administration of the Cu-IUD for EC (26%) and its efficacy (6%). In total, 23% (28 of 124) of women were interested in the Cu-IUD, including eight women scheduled to receive one that day.
CONCLUSION
Women presenting for EC were unaware of the Cu-IUD but were moderately interested in it once informed. Public education and routine counselling about the Cu-IUD at EC visits may increase the uptake of this method.
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