Characteristics of women seeking emergency contraception in general practice

The aim of this study was to profile the users of emergency contraception (EC) attending general practices and a general practice out-of-hours co-operative service using a pre-piloted questionnaire. Questionnaires were offered to 171 women and completed by 144(84.2%). Mean age was 24.4 years (Standard Deviation =6.7, range 14 to 51). Most were single, 116(80,6%). Those who had no regular partner at the time of seeking EC were more likely to have >6 lifetime sexual partners than those in stable relationships (OR: 3.5; CI: 1.14-10.86, p<0.03). At the time of seeking EC 121(84.0 %) were using some method of contraception. Ninety-three (64.6%) presented within 24 hours of sexual intercourse. Concerns about condoms were the commonest reason for seeking EC. For 55(38.2%) this was their first time to use EC. Thirty-three (22.9%) were drunk at the time of intercourse.