Assessing Awareness Gaps: Emergency Contraceptive Knowledge among Women in Rural Mysuru

Introduction: Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are essential for preventing unintended pregnancies after contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse. Despite their critical role and availability, awareness and utilization of ECPs are often limited, especially in rural areas. Aim: This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, sources of information, and barriers to the utilization of ECPs among women in rural Mysuru. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from June 2024 to August 2024, assessed ECP knowledge among 346 women in rural Mysuru. Participants were selected using simple random sampling and surveyed with a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic profiles, ECP knowledge, and practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0. Results: Awareness of ECPs was high (94.2%), alongside condoms (100%) and sterilization (95.6%). However, knowledge of other methods such as implants (51.4%) and injections (50.5%) was lower. Media (49.7%) and health personnel (39%) were the primary information sources. Commonly reported side effects included nausea (44.2%) and heavy bleeding (31.5%). Most respondents obtained ECPs from pharmacies (63.9%). Hesitancy was mainly due to fears of adverse effects (64.7%) and poor knowledge (27.2%). Knowledge was significantly associated with age, education, and marital status, with younger, more educated, and married women exhibiting higher awareness. Conclusion: The study identifies significant gaps in ECP knowledge and utilization among rural women. Enhanced educational interventions, better provider training, and improved distribution networks are crucial to addressing these gaps and empowering rural women in their reproductive health choices.