Abstract

KNOWLEDGE OF ELIGIBLE MARRIED WOMEN ON THE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (ECP) AT SELECTED CHAR AND RIVERINE AREAS OF BANGLADESH

Abdullah Enam, Abu Ansar Md. Rizwan*, Ebrahim Khalil and A. B. M. Mokbul Hossen

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Abstract

Emergency contraception, if highly aware, easily available, and widely used can prevent a significant number of unwanted pregnancies. In many developing countries, the consequences of unintended pregnancies are more detrimental to the health and well-being of women than in developed countries. Therefore, this independent study was planned to carry out to help to know the level of knowledge about the ECPs among the women of reproductive age in selected char and riverine areas of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional type of study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice among 384 Married eligible women in the char and riverine areas of Hobiganj, Pabna, and Bhola districts of Bangladesh. The result from this study shows that among all the respondents, 21.75% of respondents’ level of knowledge on ECPs was excellent and 38.39% of respondents’ level of knowledge was good. Respondents’ level of knowledge on ECP was significantly associated with age group, highest educational attainment, family type, age of last child, the intention of pregnancy in respondent and her husband, and current using any contraceptive method. Thus, it can be recommended that techniques to advance ECP use be centered around spreading exact data through conventional schooling and correspondence by clinical staff and through varying media which could give solid and precise information on ECPs.

Keywords: Knowledge, Married women, Emergency contraceptive pill, Char and Riverine areas, Bangladesh.