Emergency Contraception: A Survey of Hong Kong Women’s Knowledge and Attitudes

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the knowledge and attitudes towards emergency contraception among women in Hong Kong.
Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among women who attended the general gynaecology clinic at a regional hospital from July 2014 to September 2014.  Questions regarding the use of emergency contraception, knowledge, and attitudes towards emergency contraception were explored.
Results: Of the analysed cohort of 395 women, 215 (54.4%) had heard of emergency contraception. Among these women, 167 (77.7%) knew the correct timing for its use, and 87 (22%) had previously used emergency contraception. The media and friends represented the most common source of information. Doctors and the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong were rarely the source. Increased advertisement of emergency contraception was supported by 70% of women, while 37.5% supported over-the-counter availability of emergency contraceptive pills. Reasons for and against these responses were explored.
Conclusion: The awareness and knowledge of emergency contraception among local women has significant room for improvement. More women supported increased advertisement of emergency contraception and the sale of emergency contraceptive pills over the counter. The provision of emergency contraceptive pills over the counter may be an important means if its availability is improved in Hong Kong. Improved education of the public is required to promote awareness and local acceptance of emergency contraception.