| The present study was aimed to determine the knowledge of women using combined oral contraceptive pills (COC) and factors related to the knowledge level. This cross-sectional study was conducted during March – May 2011. The subjects were 96 women with age ranged from 15 to 49 years old who intended to purchase COC for their own use at Ubon Ratchathani University community pharmacy in Muang district, Ubon Ratchathani. They were accidental sampling and data were collected using an interview questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi – Square test and One-way ANOVA were used to determine the data.
The results revealed that 65.6% of women using COC were married and more than 50% were graduated in bachelor degree. The majority of participants at 58.3% showed their knowledge in all area about combined pills at low level (0-19 points, total score of 32). The correct knowledge in side effects and general information were shown in 64.8% and 62.4% in subjects, respectively. However, 41.7% of subjects provided the right information on precautions and contraindications. In terms of factors related to knowledge, education, age, occupation and advice of how to use showed the significant level at p-value < 0.05. Duration of drug using and number of advice sources were shown insignificant related to the knowledge level. The obtained results indicated that most women had well knowledge in general in side effects profiles of COC. Nevertheless, they still lack of information on precautions and contraindications of this type of pills. Thus, it is important to provide this useful information as part of pharmacy counseling in community pharmacy in order to promote the safe use of this drug in all women. |