UCSF

Purpose

Emergency contraception (EC), the 'last chance' contraceptive method, has gained significance post-Roe, but most young people do not know their options.

Methods

We conducted an educational intervention on EC among 1,053 students aged 18-25 years. We assessed changes in knowledge of key aspects of EC using generalized estimating equations.

Results

At baseline, virtually no one was aware of the intrauterine device for EC (4%), but postintervention, 89% correctly identified intrauterine devices as the most effective EC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 116.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 62.4, 217.8). Knowledge that levonorgestrel pills could be accessed without a prescription grew (60%-90%; aOR = 9.7, 95% CI 6.7-14.0), as did knowledge that pills work best when taken as soon as possible (75%-95%; aOR = 9.6, 95% CI 6.1-14.9). Multivariate results showed adolescent and young adult participants absorbed these key concepts across age, gender, and sexual orientation.

Discussion

Timely interventions are needed to empower youth with knowledge of EC options.