2004, Number 2
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Arch Med Fam 2004; 6 (2)
Emergency contraception: Knowledge and attitudes in a group of Mexican family physicians
Ramírez PB, Altamirano GB, Martínez SS, Morales LH.
Language: Spanish
References: 15
Page: 48-51
PDF size: 53.31 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine knowledge about emergency contraception (EC) in a group of family physicians in Mexico City. Design: Descriptive and cross sectional study. Material and methods: A questionnaire on EC was designed to be answered by family physicians. It was applied at Family Practice Center (FPC) depending from the General Hospital in San Angel, Mexico City; which were previously authorized by the manager of each FPC and by the inquired physician. The information was estimated by using percentages. Results: 93 family physicians from five FPC were inquired. 91.4% had heard about PC; 15% know the right dose; 8.6% thought that EC acted dislodging the implanted egg (abortive mechanism); 44.1% know that the timing for EC is 72 hours after intercourse and 19.3% considered that its efficiency to prevent pregnancy is 75%. The most common methods for EC were the use of medroxiprogesterone/estradiol and noretisterone/ethinilestradiol. Conclusions: Level of knowledge about EC is low among physicians although there is willingness to employ it. Contraindications and legal issues are points to which attention should be paid in order to build up educational strategies.
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