Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #114377

Heather M. Marlow, BA, Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University, 405 South Candler Street, Decatur, GA 30030, 404-917-9449, hmarlow@sph.emory.edu and Kathryn Yount, PhD, Department of International Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Emergency contraception (EC) in the form of combined oral contraceptives in high doses became part of the Honduran Ministry of Health's Family planning policy in June 2003. EC was promoted and made available through the Ministry of Health and the Honduran Association of Family Planning. The introduction and acceptance of emergency contraception has been difficult in Honduras because many people have never heard of the method. Confusion about EC's timing, dose and whether it is abortion persists. This study explores barriers and facilitators to EC acceptance in three states of western Honduras. Qualitative methods were used to elicit beliefs and norms about emergency contraception among women of reproductive age (15-45 years). The study also explored women's experiences with unintended pregnancies and abortion and how those experiences shape their acceptability of emergency contraception. Positive experiences with contraception, experience with unintended pregnancy, and failed attempts to abort unwanted pregnancies are associated with women's acceptance of EC. Fears and beliefs about contraception, negative experiences with contraception, and family influences make women guarded about emergency contraception and many would like more information about the method.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Understand how women’s fears, beliefs and knowledge influence their acceptance of emergency contraception in western Honduras.
• Understand how women’s experiences with abortion, unintended pregnancy and contraception shape their acceptance of emergency contraception in western Honduras.

Keywords: Contraception, International Family Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.