Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding emergency contraception among drug dispensers working in retail outlets of Addis Ababa.

BACKGROUND

Emergency contraception (EC) refers to contraception used as an emergency procedure to prevent pregnancy following unprotected intercourse. As the success of EC depends on availability and timely administration, the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards EC of staff working in pharmacies and drugstores is of particular importance.

OBJECTIVE

Assess KAP regarding EC of dispensers working in pharmacies and drugstores of Addis Ababa.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on drug dispensers (n=303) working in pharmacies and drug stores of Addis Ababa.

RESULTS

Eighty four percent of respondents (n=256) were aware of EC, but the remainder had never heard ofit. Although nearly 80% of aware respondents had a knowledge and attitude score of more than 50%, only 25% had knowledge and 35% had an attitude score of more than 75%. Amongst aware respondents, 32% had prescribed EC.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge, attitude and practice of drug dispensers in Addis Ababa regarding EC was inadequate. There is a need to address these deficiencies, as drug dispensers are the most easily accessible professionals for clients requiring EC services at any time of the day and on any day of the week.