Adolescent knowledge and attitudes regarding emergency contraception

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 753 students (10th and 12th graders) from the Douro Region (Northern Portugal) to identify the information that adolescents have about emergency contraception (postcoital contraception), as well as their attitudes. Data collection was performed using a three-part questionnaire, divided as follows: the 1st part consists of 10 questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics; the 2nd part consists of 22 questions about knowledge of sexuality/emergency contraception; and the 3rd part has eight questions about the adolescent's attitude regarding emergency contraception. Results indicate there is limited knowledge (10.5%). The youths' attitude is generally in favor of emergency contraception. Girls in the 12th grade are the students with the broadest effective knowledge.