Emergency Contraception in Albania: A Multi-Methods Study of Awareness, Attitudes and Practices

Abstract

Modern methods of contraception are freely available in Albania, yet contraceptive prevalence among Albanians is relatively low (11%). Abortion on the other hand has long been the mainstay of family planning in the country. Emergency contraception is not very popular in Albania either, even though two different levonorgestrel-only EC pills (NorLevo® and Postinor®) are widely available in Albanian pharmacies. This study aimed to investigate potential factors that influence women’s choices of contraception. In 2016, we conducted a multi-method qualitative study with women and service providers in Albania. Women were invited to report their knowledge of, attitudes toward, and practices surrounding contraception in an online survey. Also, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with key informants to better understand the current reproductive health landscape in the country. Additionally, we conducted structured interviews with pharmacists in Tirana to assess their training and practices with regard to different available contraceptive methods. Misinformation, lack of awareness, fear of judgement and embarrassment, and lack of infrastructure are the strongest influencers of women’s choice of contraception in Albania. Training of health service providers, as well as development of materials for distribution are warranted to improve knowledge and uptake of contraception among women.