KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS AMONG A COLLEGE-AGE POPULATION - A QUALITATIVE APPROACH

Results from focus-group discussions with a population of university s tudents who have convenient access to emergency contraceptive pills sh ow that basic awareness about this method is high, although specific k nowledge on appropriate use, such as the time limit for use, the level of effectiveness and the possible side effects, is lacking. Approval of the method is widespread among both female and male students, altho ugh students did Voice anxieties about irresponsible use and the lack of protection against the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexua lly transmitted diseases. Many of their concerns stem from incomplete information about how the regimen works. Students noted how rarely eme rgency contraceptive pills are discussed, and were curious to know mor e. They asked for routine education on the method as well as more gene ral discussion.