Ülkü Ayşe TÜRKER ARAS, Ayşe ENDER YUMRU, Binali ÇATAK
Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi - 2026;33(3):253-258
Objective: Emergency contraception is an effective method for preventing unintended pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse. However, awareness and knowledge regarding emergency contraception remain limited in many regions. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge about emergency contraception and the associated factors among women of reproductive age. Material and Method: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 women aged 18-45 years who applied to the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic of a tertiary-level university hospital. The dependent variable was awareness of emergency contraception. Sociodemographic, biodemographic, and socioeconomic characteristics were evaluated as independent variables. Chi-square tests were used for group comparisons, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with lack of awareness. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.3 +/- 2.21 years. Overall, 32.2% of the women reported that they had heard about emergency contraception. Logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of not knowing about emergency contraception was higher among women using traditional contraceptive methods (OR = 1.479), women without formal education (OR = 23.407), women who perceived their household income as insufficient (OR = 1.650), and unemployed women (OR = 1.957). Conclusion: Awareness of emergency contraception among women of reproductive age was found to be limited. Educational interventions and public health strategies targeting women with lower educational and socioeconomic status may help increase awareness and contribute to the prevention of unintended pregnancies.
