Ceulemans M, Willekens J, Cavens L, De Wulf I, Peeters L, Roose N, Foulon V. Knowledge and counseling preferences of the public and pharmacy staff on emergency contraception: results of a cross-sectional study in Belgium.
Contraception 2022;
115:27-30. [PMID:
35932795 DOI:
10.1016/j.contraception.2022.07.011]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To assess the knowledge and counseling preferences of the public ('individuals') and pharmacy staff ('professionals') in Belgium on emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs).
STUDY DESIGN
Cross-sectional study using two different anonymous, online surveys (one addressing the public and one professionals).
RESULTS
Overall, 1518 individuals and 1118 professionals participated, obtaining a mean knowledge score of 6.3(±1.8)/10 and 5.0(± 1.6)/10, respectively. For the public, a lower level of knowledge was found among men, non-healthcare workers and low educated individuals with no prior ECP use/purchase. For professionals, a lower level of knowledge was observed among pharmacy-technicians, French-speaking persons, and professionals with ≥5 years of experience and poorly involved in continuous education.
CONCLUSIONS
Limited knowledge on ECPs was observed among the public and pharmacy staff in Belgium, underscoring educational and counseling opportunities on ECPs.
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