Comparison of Knowledge of Oral Contraceptive Pills User Women, Who Received their Medication from Pharmacies or Health Care Centers

Oral Contraceptive pills (OCP) are one of the most common used ways for preventing unwanted pregnancies, but in order to guarantee a higher rate of success, correct usage is essential. This paper aims to examine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of the OCPs users. Two hundred women who received their OCP from a local health center (group 1) or from a pharmacy (group 2) were questioned according a pre-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding the demographic information, correct usage of OCPs, their side effects, contraindications, non-contraceptive benefits, and some myth-based questions. The most commonly used OCP was LD (low dose) contraceptive. The rate of previous unwanted pregnancies for group 1 and 2 was 35% and 24%, respectively. The subjects in group 1 were counseled extensively on the proper use of the contraceptive, and no counseling was performed with the subjects in group 2. The results suggest that health services, especially pharmacies, should provide more information and consultation about OCPs for their clients.