Womens' Knowledge about EC
EC is a product for women of reproductive age. Their experiences with obtaining and using EC can be a valuable source of information, in order to more precisely determine how accessible EC is. A study in Mexico City to determine knowledge and opinions about EC among healthcare providers likely to dispense EC and health service clients likely to use EC; 1,127 clients from health centers were surveyed and the results indicated that only 18% of the sample had heard of EC and of that 18% only 10% answered all of the knowledge questions correctly (Langer & et al, 1999). Less than 1% of the sample had ever used EC. Women have little or no knowledge of EC. If women don’t know that EC exists then they are less like to request it. According to Langer & et al, the clients’ awareness and knowledge of EC was extremely scarce. If awareness and knowledge of EC is scarce among the EC client population, then it must be interpreted that it is up to the healthcare providers to raise awareness and inform potential EC clients of the available technology. In another study, Bell & Millward (1999) tried to describe women’s experiences of obtaining EC through a phenomenological study. The above mentioned researchers interviewed eight women who requested EC at a general practice in England. Bell & Millward found that the key problem for women requesting EC was the doctor’s receptionist. As the first person whom the client encounters, while requesting EC, this person answers questions of availability and procedures before obtaining EC. Thus, their knowledge and attitude greatly affect the type of service and care that EC clients receive. Some of the participants reported feelings of judgment, guilt, and fear of being “told off” by healthcare providers while seeking EC (Bell & Millward). If a client is made to feel guilty by the healthcare providers’ attitude or tone, then this can be considered a substantial barrier to EC. The researchers concluded that a major problem for women seeking EC is providers’ attitudes. They also considered education as essential for all staff involved in the process, including receptionists. It is evident that the information and attitudes of healthcare providers can impact how accessible EC is for women seeking family planning services. It is important to understand how the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare providers influences the EC services that women receive.
