Knowledge and attitudes of family planning providers towards the youth seeking emergency contraception at Kawale Banja la Mtsogolo clinic.
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Date
2010-11-30
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Emergency contraception is defined as drugs or devices that can be used by women in the first three (3) days following unprotected intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If initiated within seventy two (72) hours, EC can reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies by at least 75 to 85 percent. This method of contraception may be used when regular contraception fails such as when a condom breaks during intercourse, when a woman has been raped and in situations when contraceptives were used incorrectly or not used at all. The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of family planning providers towards youth seeking emergency contraception at Kawale Banja la Mtsogolo clinic. METHODOLOGY These are the techniques that were used by the researcher to structure a study and to gather and analyse information relevant to the research questions. This study utilised qualitative design to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Family Planning Providers (FPP) towards the youth seeking EC. Data was collected through an individual in-depth interview using an interview guide and was being recorded in a tape recorder. Data collection was done for a period of fourteen days. The data was analysed manually using content analysis and presented in a narrative form. The findings of the study indicate that most of the providers are familiar with the term "Emergency Contraception" but they lack detailed information on this method especially on all types, side effects, contraindications and effectiveness. In addition to this the findings also reveals that the FPP had positive attitude toward the youth who use EC. The study concluded that the Family Planning Providers do not give the clients detailed information about EC due to lack of adequate knowledge on EC. On the other hand they have a positive attitude which is not a barrier to provision of EC to the youth.