Purpose: To
evaluate the knowledge of recent medical school graduates regarding
contraception and emergency contraception
Background: The Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) medical
student educational objectives includes contraception and emergency
contraception among expected competancies, but little information exists on
whether these objectives are being met.
Methods: A 28-question survey of basic contraception knowledge was created,
including questions about LARC methods (12 questions), Tier 2 methods (10
questions) and emergency contraception (4 questions). Two consecutive intern classes were evaluated
during hospital orientation.
Results: 157 interns completed the survey, representing 73 medical schools. The
overall correct score was 51.8%. Subscores were 56.7% for LARC methods, 62% for
tier 2 methods, and 22.2% for emergency contraception. Men scored lower than
women overall, 50% vs 60.4%, p= < 0.001, and on all subscores. Men were
also less comfortable with contraceptive knowledge than women, 5.8 vs 6.7 on a
10-point Likert scale, p= 0.006. Osteopathic physicians scored lower than
allopathic physicians on overall score, 49.6% vs 54.6%, p= 0.04, and emergency
contraception, 12.5% vs 25%, p=0.01, but not on LARC, tier 2 methods or
self-reported comfort. Those with high self-reported comfort levels scored
higher on overall score, LARC and tier 2 methods, but not on emergency contraception.
There was no difference in overall score when evaluated by amount of training
received during medical school.
Discussions: Despite
ubiquitous prescribing, medical school graduates have only rudimentary
knowledge of contraception, particularly emergency contraception. Individual
medical schools should evaluate their programs to determine how to improve
knowledge of these important topics.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2018, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Medical Knowledge, GME, UME, Assessment, Contraception or Family Planning,
Michael Miller, MD