Nursing student considering emergency contraception options.

Emergency Contraception: Are Nursing Students Ready to Counsel?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A look into the knowledge gaps and attitudes surrounding emergency contraception among future healthcare providers."

The landscape of sexual health is constantly evolving, with rates of sexual activity beginning earlier and earlier. According to a 2008 report by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, there was a notable increase in the number of sexually active women aged 15-19 between 1996 and 2006. This trend heightens the risk of reproductive events such as pregnancy and STIs.

Emergency contraception (EC), often called the "morning-after pill," emerged as a crucial tool. First introduced in Hungary, China, and Sweden between 1970 and 1984, EC offers a way to prevent unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sex, failed contraception, or sexual assault. These methods use hormones to prevent or delay fertilization. They can affect sperm and egg transport, alter cervical mucus, and interfere with sperm function.

However, despite its availability and proven efficacy, EC use remains limited in some areas, including Brazil. Barriers include lack of knowledge, healthcare provider concerns, prescription requirements, and moral or cultural beliefs. These factors highlight the need for more research to understand current perceptions and inform effective educational strategies.

What Do Nursing Students Know About Emergency Contraception?

Nursing student considering emergency contraception options.

A recent study published in the Revista Gaúcha de Enfermagem explored the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students toward emergency contraception. The researchers aimed to understand how well-prepared these future healthcare professionals were to counsel patients about EC.

The study used a descriptive and analytical approach, surveying 178 nursing students at a public university in Goiás, Brazil, between February and May 2011. The questionnaire covered sexual behavior and knowledge of emergency contraception.

High Awareness: Most students (96%) had heard of EC.
Understanding of Key Facts: A large percentage knew the correct timing for use and indications (86%-96%).
Misconceptions Persist: Many students lacked understanding regarding the mechanism of action, side effects, and access to EC (correct answers below 50%).
EC is not 100% safe
EC is not for routine use
It is most effective when used as soon as possible after intercourse
EC is an option to prevent unwanted pregnancy in the event of sexual violence
EC is indicated in the event that a male or female condom breaks

While most students had heard of EC, their understanding of key aspects was incomplete. This is troubling because as future nurses, they will play a vital role in educating patients and dispelling myths surrounding emergency contraception.

The Need for Comprehensive Education

The study highlights the urgent need for better education about emergency contraception in schools and universities. By addressing knowledge gaps and misconceptions, we can empower future healthcare professionals to provide accurate, evidence-based information to their patients. This will lead to more informed decisions and improved reproductive health outcomes.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1983-1447.2014.02.41561, Alternate LINK

Title: Emergency Contraception: Knowledge And Attitudes Of Nursing Students

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Revista Gaúcha de Enfermagem

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Danyelle Lorrane Carneiro Veloso, Valéria Costa Peres, Juliane Da Silveira Ortiz De Camargo Lopes, Ana Karina Marques Salge, Janaína Valadares Guimarães

Published: 2014-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Emergency contraception, and why is it important?

Emergency contraception (EC), often called the "morning-after pill," is a method to prevent unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sex, failed contraception, or sexual assault. It uses hormones to prevent or delay fertilization by affecting sperm and egg transport, altering cervical mucus, and interfering with sperm function. Its significance lies in offering a crucial tool for reproductive health, especially with the increasing rates of sexual activity among young women, as highlighted by the 2008 report by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

What were the key findings about nursing students' knowledge of Emergency contraception?

The study revealed that while the majority of nursing students were aware of Emergency contraception, their knowledge of specific aspects was incomplete. Many students had misconceptions regarding the mechanism of action, side effects, and access to Emergency contraception. This is important because these future healthcare professionals will play a vital role in educating patients. Limited knowledge can lead to inaccurate information being provided to patients, which impacts their decisions about their reproductive health.

What makes Emergency contraception significant in the context of reproductive health?

The significance of Emergency contraception (EC) is underscored by the rise in sexual activity among younger populations, such as the increase observed among women aged 15-19 between 1996 and 2006, according to a 2008 report by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. This trend increases the risk of unwanted pregnancies and STIs, making EC a crucial tool. Its impact is further seen in its ability to offer a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, failed contraception, or sexual assault.

Why is it necessary for nursing students to have a better understanding of Emergency contraception?

Nursing students need more comprehensive education about Emergency contraception (EC) because they are future healthcare providers. This role requires them to counsel patients, dispel myths, and provide accurate information about EC. The study showed that the knowledge gaps and misconceptions among students could hinder their ability to effectively guide patients. Better education will empower them to provide evidence-based information, leading to more informed patient decisions and improved reproductive health outcomes.

How was the study conducted, and what were its key findings about Emergency contraception?

The study employed a descriptive and analytical approach, surveying 178 nursing students at a public university in Goiás, Brazil, between February and May 2011. The questionnaire focused on sexual behavior and Emergency contraception knowledge. The findings revealed high awareness of EC, but incomplete understanding of key facts, which highlights the need for better educational strategies. The study's design allowed researchers to understand the preparedness of future healthcare providers in counseling patients about EC, contributing valuable insights into reproductive health education.