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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding emergency contraception
1College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. hopkinsdenised@uams.edu
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
|June 11, 2009
Summary
Pharmacy students require more education on emergency contraception (EC). While aware of FDA approval for EC products like Plan B, many lack knowledge and confidence in patient counseling, highlighting a need for improved pharmaceutical care training.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Emergency contraception (EC) is crucial for preventing unintended pregnancies.
- Pharmacy students play a vital role in providing access to and information about EC.
- Understanding student knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors is essential for effective training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning emergency contraception.
- To identify educational gaps in preparing future pharmacists for EC counseling.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to pharmacy students.
- The survey included multiple-choice, true/false, and Likert-scale questions.
- Descriptive statistics were used to analyze knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
Main Results:
- 87% of students knew Plan B was FDA-approved for nonprescription use, but 33% held misconceptions about its mechanism.
- Students generally disagreed (mean score 1.5/5) that EC should be available without pharmacist counseling.
- Only 26.7% felt competent instructing patients on EC use.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacy students need enhanced education to provide informed pharmaceutical care for EC.
- Legislation increasingly positions pharmacies as key access points for EC.
- Improved training is necessary to ensure competent patient counseling and pharmaceutical care.
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