Results

Patterns of Emergency Contraception Use by Age and Ethnicity from a Randomized Trial Comparing Advance Provision and Information Only

Terri L. Walsh, MPH, Ron G. Frezieres, MSPH. Contraception 2006 74:110-117

Purpose: This study measures the impact of the advance provision of emergency contraception (EC) among family planning clients at 31 clinics in California.

Methods: We randomized over 9000 clients to receive a packet containing either two 0.75 mg levonorgestrel pills (Plan BTM) or an identical packet containing EC information only. We conducted follow-up interviews on a subset of 1,130 clients selected to optimize the age and ethnicity distribution. The interviews collected information on EC use, contraception, risk-taking behaviors and EC attitudes.

Results: Clients who received EC in advance were significantly more likely to have used EC (19%) compared to women who received information only (12%) (P=0.0009). There were no significant differences between the contraceptive and risk-taking behavior of the two treatment groups. Study respondents of all ages and ethnicities expressed positive attitudes about EC. Nevertheless, even with EC on hand, many respondents who reported unprotected intercourse decided not to take EC.

Conclusion: More research should be done to better understand why women underutilize EC.

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