In a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews, physicians, midwives and other family planning providers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were questioned about their knowledge and attitudes regarding use of three methods of emergency contraception--the Yuzpe regimen, a levonorgestrel-only regimen and postcoital insertion of a copper-bearing IUD. Most providers were familiar with the concept of emergency contraception and endorsed its practice, but lacked accurate and detailed information about method use. They also overestimated contraindications and potential side effects. Providers advocated for additional training for themselves and for druggists, who provide these methods over the counter. Participants generally agreed about the need for more empirical information about the safety and efficacy of these methods, but disagreed about the degree to which emergency methods should be made readily available to women in Vietnam.
(International Family Planning Perspectives, 23:68-72,1997)