Perception about Emergency Contraception in Married Females of Childbearing (15-49) years in Dadu, Sindh

Objective: To determine the perception about emergency contraception in married females of childbearing (15-49) years and to identify associated factors related to perception in Dadu, Sindh. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 216 married females of childbearing (15-49) years was conducted at Dadu, Sindh during March to August 2023. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. Questions were asked regarding perception of emergency contraception through structured questionnaire by getting informed verbal consent. The analysis of the data was done by using SPSS-26. Results: From 216 participants only 3.2% had perception regarding emergency contraception. Major source of perception received from healthcare professionals. Number of females who had ever used it, was 4 (1.9%). 3.2% participants had knowledge regarding correct timing (up to 72hours) for its effective usage. 69% participants lie in age group of 18-34 years and 69% were illiterate, 77% from rural area and 5.6% participants were employed. 57.9% study subjects had monthly house hold income ten thousand rupees. 92.1% were residing in joint family structure and 79.6% having two or more children. Study revealed that 24.5% had unplanned pregnancies and 13.9% underwent abortions. Further findings of study revealed that education, residence, guardian’s income, unplanned pregnancies are major variables that determine the understanding of emergency contraception. Conclusion: It was observed that educated females were more aware about emergency contraception and those who were living in developed areas with high socioeconomic status and having unwanted pregnancies in their past.