Questionnaire on knowledge of midwives about oral emergency contraception
Dinka Baldani (HR), Lana Skrgatic (HR), Marina Goldstajn (HR), Trpimir Goluza (HR)
[Baldani] Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb School of MEdicine, [Skrgatic] Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb School of MEdicine, [Goldstajn] Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb School of MEdicine, [Goluza] Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb School of MEdicine
Objective: To assess the knowledge level on oral emergency contraception between midwifes working in different clinical settings in order to plan their future education regarding emergency contraception and to improve counseling and removing barriers to its use. Patients and interventions: Two hundred and twenty five midwives aged 18-60 years and working in different Croatian counties completed a 16-item web-based survey using Survey Monkey software, available on Croatian Midwifes Chamber site, during the period from December 2015 to February 2016. Main Outcome Measure: A survey aimed to test gaps in knowledge on oral emergency contraception of targeted population in order to plan future education. Results: In total 277 participants started to fill out the survey. Overall, 225 participants responded to all 16 questions. Demographic, educational and professional characteristics of the participants in this survey are provided. Distribution of participant responses to questions regarding basic reproductive endocrinology, unplanned pregnancies and emergency contraception clearly revealed important gaps in group’s knowledge. Conclusion: There is an evident gap in knowledge on emergency contraception within the study group of Croatian midwifes. Having in mind group’s grounds in gynecology and obstetrics, and their public health relevance, targeted educational activities both during midwifes formal education and on job is required to improve group’s knowledge on emergency contraception.