Impact of training on general practitioner’s knowledge, attitude and practices regarding emergency contraception in Hyderabad

Objectives: To elaborate the impact of family planning training on general practitioners’ knowledge, attitude and practices regarding emergency contraception.

Methods: A cross sectional survey involving 270 general practitioners was conducted in Hyderabad from 1st Oct to 31st Dec 2010. Participants were divided into two groups on the basis of attending family planning training course after graduation and were interviewed face to face. Data was noted on questionnaire asking their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding emergency contraception. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 11. Student t-test was applied to compare the proportions among two groups.

Results: Out of 270 general practitioners, male & female participants were 132 (48.9%) and 138 (51.1%) respectively. Mean experience as private general practitioner was 7.48 + 7.6 years. One third of the participants 84 (31.1%) have attended five days training course on family planning in the past, while 186 (69.9%) did not have any training. Source of training was government institutes 46(17%) and non government organization in 38 (14.1%) cases. Significant positive difference was noted on emergency contraception knowledge, attitude and use in group who attended family planning training.

Conclusion: Educational intervention has a positive impact on health care provider’s knowledge, attitude and practices of emergency contraception.