Abstract:

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and behaviours of the first year students of a medical school on emergency contraception in Nicosia, Cyprus. Materials and Methods: The data of this cross-sectional study were collected in February 2016 by a questionnaire administered under observation. Of the 467 first year students of the Medical School, 418 responded to the questionnaire, with a response rate of 89.5%. Results: Students were from 24 countries but the majority were from Turkey (58.0%), Nigeria (11.8%) and Northern Cyprus (8.2%). The correct knowledge of definition of emergency contraception (EC) level was 57.6% and 57.2% knew the purpose. There was a significant difference regarding knowledge of correct definitions of emergency contraception and emergency contraception pills among continental groups, with lowest level of knowledge for Asian country members. Of the total, only 33.9% of the participants had correct knowledge of effective timing for EC and 14.2% of the definition of emergency contraception pills. Excluding those who stated having no knowledge of emergency contraceptives and effective timing for EC, only 36.7% -for each concept- of the remaining participants claiming to be informed about these concepts, defined them correctly. The use of contraceptive methods was 49.5% and emergency contraception 23.1% among sexually active participants. Conclusion: The knowledge level and behaviours of medical students on emergency contraception were insufficient. Emergency contraception education should be provided for all first year medical students, as well as other university beginners.