Determination of Women and Reproductive Health Awareness in Emergency Department: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction 
Emergency departments (EDs) are units in which acute management of traumatic and medical emergencies are provided; but also guidance on public health is provided as well as ensuring personal health and awareness. In this study, it was aimed to determine the level of knowledge about women’s and reproductive health and possible disease symptoms in female patients aged 18 years and older who applied to the emergency department, regardless of the complaint of admission. We also aimed to determine the role of EDs in contributing to the correct referral of these patients. 
Material and Methods 
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which took place in a tertiary care center. Women aged 18 years and older who applied to the emergency department with any complaint were assessed with a structured questionnaire consisting of 18 questions and multiple-choice options about women’s health. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics, fertility, menstrual cycle and contraception patterns, their knowledge about cancer prevention, gynecological and urological complaints were asked. It was also asked whether the ED physician gave any guidance on issues related to women's health, before discharge from ED. 
Results 
Totally 523 women were included in the study. The mean age was 38.89±14.32 years. Most of them (91.6%) were lived in city center, 63.3% were married and 60% were high school and university graduates. The ratio of not using any contraceptive method and total number of pregnancies were higher at the lower education levels (p=0.003 and 0.004, respectively). The knowledge of women about cancer screening was low and 42.4% of them did not have information about screening issues. In comparison according to educational status, it was seen that the ratio of screening awareness, breast self-examination, HPV test, and mammography were higher and statistically significant in university graduates (p=0.000). ED physicians conducted appropriate outpatient clinic referral for screening and follow-up in 53.6% of 114 patients with gynecological complaints. 
Conclusions 
The level of knowledge about women’s health are still not at the desired level. Although there are a wide variety of effective and modern methods available, not to use a contraceptive method is still common. With the increase, dissemination and continuity of reproductive health education and consultancy services, the lack of information on this subject will be eliminated to a large extent and wrong practices will be prevented. Emergency departments are places for preventing public health, besides managing acute conditions. 
Key words: Reproductive Health, Contraception, Cancer Screening, Emergency department