Predictors of university women requesting emergency contraception at college health services

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identity risk factors associated with requesting emergency contraception (BC). A total of 309 eligible participants responded to a survey at University of Hawaii Women's Health Clinic. Logistic regression was used to identity indicators for requesting EC. Women requesting EC were at 2.27 greater odds of reporting perceived risk for pregnancy because of unprotected sex, opposed to "backing up a failed or questionable method". They were also significantly more likely to have previously used EC one (p<0.001) or two or more (p<0.001) times within the last year; and were more likely to have consumed 4 or more alcoholic drinks at last intercourse. These findings suggest that efforts to reduce negative sexual consequences within this population should include a comprehensive sexual responsibility program. This would encourage the adoption of and consistent use of a primary contraceptive method and reinforce EC as a secondary intervention.