Knowledge, Use and Access to Emergency Hormonal Contraception by Adolescent Population in Rauch, Province of Buenos Aires

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In Argentina, there is scarce data on knowledge, availability and use of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) by adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of knowledge, use and supply of EHC among 15- to 18-year-old adolescents attending school or health care centers in Rauch jurisdiction. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in 2009-2010, including an anonymous self-administered survey completed by adolescents. The forms of the Sexual Health and Responsible Procreation Program were used to determine the number of EHC supplied, while the sales in the pharmacies of Rauch were evaluated in a similar way. RESULTS: 387 surveys were analyzed. 77% of the surveyed adolescents were aware of the existence of this contraceptive method, but only 28% had an accurate knowledge about it, and 11% had actually used it. There was not any public provision, and the total of units sold in pharmacies was 142 - 20% of them were purchased by adolescents (76% female, 17% male, 7% no data). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents do not have an accurate knowledge of EHC features, although they use it and get it mainly through the pharmacies.