Paper
Thursday, 20 July 2006
This presentation is part of : Initiatives for Adult Women's Health Issues
Beliefs and Attitudes on Emergency Contraceptive Pill Among Korean Young Women
Hee Sun Kang, RN, PhD, Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to know about the rate of artificial abortion and use of the emergency contraceptive pills in Korea.
Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to describe the major themes related to Emergency Contraceptive Pill among Korean Young women.
Background: The rate of artificial abortion is high in Korea even though it is illegal except special occasions, such as fetal anomaly or in danger of mother's life. The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is available with prescription.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the beliefs and attitudes among Korean young women regarding the use of emergency contraceptive pills.

Method: Data was collected using a focus group interview from July to November, 2005. A content analysis was conducted using the transcripts.

Result: Fifteen unmarried women were participated in this study. Their age was ranged from 19 to 34 years with a mean of 25 years.  The major themes were control of accessibility, safety, and ambivalent. Control of accessibility: Most of the participants stated prescription is necessary although they might feel ashamed if they have to ask for it. They thought it is not a good idea for women to be able to get the ECP over-the-counter. They expressed concern that the easy access to ECP could lead to promiscuity and misuse. In addition, condom use would decrease and that would result in the increase of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD). Safety concern: All participants stated that taking ECP would be harmful to the body and they worried about the side effects and the effects on fertility in the future. Ambivalent: Participants stated their feelings related to ECP were more negative, such as fear, anxiety, and uncomfortability. Nevertheless, they expressed they would take ECP when needed and would recommend it to a friend.  

Conclusion: This study suggests the need for an educational and counseling program to empower women to be able to make informed decisions on emergency contraception.

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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)