Teenagers' knowledge of emergency contraception: questionnaire survey in south east Scotland.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the level of knowledge of emergency contraception among 14 and 15 year olds.

DESIGN

Confidential questionnaire survey.

SETTING

10 secondary schools in Lothian, south east Scotland.

SUBJECTS

1206 pupils predominantly (98.7%) aged 14 and 15 in the fourth year of secondary school.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Knowledge of the existence of emergency contraception; of its safety, efficacy, and time limits; and of where to obtain it.

RESULTS

1121 (93.0%) fourth year pupils aged 14-16 had heard of emergency contraception. 194 girls (32.7%) and 168 boys (27.5%) had experienced sexual intercourse. Of girls who had experienced sexual intercourse, 61 (31.4%) had used emergency contraception. Knowledge of correct time limits was poor, sexually active girls being the most knowledgeable. Pupils attending schools ranked lower than the national average for academic attainment were less likely to have heard of emergency contraception and more likely to have been sexually active. 861 (76.8%) pupils knew they could obtain emergency contraception from their doctor. 925 (82.5%) pupils believed emergency contraception to be effective but 398 (35.5%) thought it more dangerous than the oral contraceptive pill.

CONCLUSIONS

One third of sexually active girls aged under 16 in Lothian have used emergency contraception. This may help explain the fairly constant teenage pregnancy rates despite increasing sexual activity. Scottish teenagers are well informed about the existence of emergency contraception. However, many do not know when and how to access it properly. Health education initiatives should target teenagers from less academic schools as they are more likely to be sexually active at a young age and are less well informed about emergency contraception.