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Awareness and knowledge regarding emergency contraception in Berlin adolescents
Frederik T von Rosen1,2, Antonella J von Rosen1,2, Falk Müller-Riemenschneider1,3
1a Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics , Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin , Germany.
Summary
Adolescents know about emergency contraception (EC) but lack knowledge on its timeframe and access. Increased education is needed, especially after EC access liberalization in Germany.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Lack of information is a key barrier to emergency contraception (EC) use.
- Adolescent knowledge of EC in Germany is not well-documented, despite debates on access liberalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess EC knowledge among adolescents in Germany.
- To evaluate awareness of EC effectiveness, timeframe, availability, and pregnancy risk.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey conducted in 13 Berlin schools.
- Ninth graders (13-16 years) assessed knowledge on EC and pregnancy risk scenarios.
Main Results:
- 8.7% never heard of EC; 38.6% knew its effectiveness, but only 12.7% knew the timeframe.
- Gynaecologists were the most recognized source of EC.
- Girls showed higher knowledge, except for pregnancy risk; lower academic standard and immigrant background correlated with less knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents generally know EC exists but lack crucial information on timing and access.
- Educational initiatives are vital to ensure informed EC use, particularly following recent access liberalization in Germany.
