# Sociodemographic and Medical Characteristics of Women Applied for Emergency Contraception—A Retrospective Observational Study

## TL;DR

This study examines the sociodemographic and medical traits of women seeking emergency contraception, finding that older age and prior pregnancies correlate with higher reproductive health awareness.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into how lifestyle and reproductive history influence emergency contraception use and health awareness.

## Key findings

- Older age and previous pregnancies are linked to higher reproductive health awareness.
- Health-conscious women seek medical consultation sooner after intercourse.
- Lifestyle factors significantly influence reproductive health decisions.

## Abstract

Background: Lifestyle factors significantly impact overall health. Our aim was to assess reproductive health awareness among patients who applied for emergency contraceptive pills. Methods: This present retrospective observational study between July 2021 and September 2021 is embedded in the MEEC (Motivation and Epidemiology of Emergency Contraceptive Pill) based on the study cohort of a Hungarian data bank containing follow-up data of 447 women who applied for EC telemedicine consultation. Collected data: age, history of previous pregnancy, lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, sexual characteristics: partner consistency and protection during intercourse, cervical cancer screening within the past 2 years, previous HPV screening, and the preference for future contraceptive methods. The investigation also compiled accurate data on intercourse (elapsed time to request a medical consultation). Lifestyle factors were scored. Results: The more health-conscious patients were quicker to report for a post-event pill. Earlier pregnancies and older age were associated with greater reproductive health awareness. Conclusions: Reproductive health awareness is increased by previous pregnancies and older age. More health-conscious women consult a doctor earlier, which can reduce the chance of various health damage. Our study emphasizes the significance of lifestyle factor influence on reproductive health decisions.