Ogun state pharmacists' knowledge about oral emergency contraception

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) can be maximized if pharmacists are well informed about the practical aspects of providing it. This study ascertained pharmacists knowledge level of EC and determined associated factors.

Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 200 Ogun State pharmacists using a 20 item pretested structured questionnaire.

Results: Response rate was 88%. Modal age group, gender, tribe and educational qualification were 3039years 82(46.6%); males 94 (53.4%), Yoruba's 152, (86.4%) and B Pharm 135 (76.7%) respectively with a working experience of mean+SD of 9+8.364. Awareness to EC was 100% and most popular source of information was university education 109 (61.9%). Positive knowledge rate was 53% and128 (72.7%) agreed that EC should be used in sexual assault. The respondents were most knowledgeable on EC reducing pregnancy risks by at least 75% 148 (84.1%). There were significant association between knowledge about EC and gender (P value= 0.019), practice place (P value=0.015), no of children (P value=0.025) highest educational qualification (P value=0.043), religion (P value=0.0043) and marital status(P value=0.039) respectively. 

Conclusion: Respondents were averagely knowledgeable about EC and factors associated were gender, practice place, no of children, marital status. Pharmacists need additional information and training on protocols of EC.