The Knowledge of Men on Emergency Contraception in Kinta District, Perak: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency contraception (EC) is an option to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Most research focuses on women's knowledge and barriers to emergency contraception, overlooking men’s influential role in contraceptive decisions. The study has important policy implications that can help Malaysian health authorities improve reproductive health services. This article illustrates the importance of determining men’s knowledge of emergency contraception and its determinants. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kinta District, Perak among 534 males using a self-administered questionnaire. Information regarding the socio-demographic background of these men and their knowledge of emergency contraception were assessed and collected. Multinomial multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify determinants of knowledge regarding EC among these men.
Results: Most of the men in the Kinta district are mainly Malay ethnicity (n = 373, 69.9%), Muslim religion (n = 383, 71.7%), with tertiary education background (n = 287, 53.7%). The majority are married (n = 312, 58.4%), sexually active (n = 320, 59.9%), and they desire to have children (n = 341, 63.9%). It is found that older men (AOR 1.022, 95% CI 1.000–1.043, p = 0.047) have better knowledge of EC as compared to those in the younger age group. Conclusions: This study found that older men have better knowledge of EC. The findings of this study have significant policy implications that can assist Malaysian health authorities in meeting the challenge of enhancing the quality of reproductive health services.