The qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 22 key informant interviews on pharmacists in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Sheshamane, and Debre Zeit. On the other hand, 44 post-pill emergency contraceptive users were used from Addis Ababa, Hawassa, and Shashamane between January and February 2010. The objective of the study was to obtain reliable information regarding the attitudes and behavior of pharmacists and post-pill users and provide recommendations for future programming. The data was collected by using the modified ICEC’s Assessment Interview guide. IIn that regard, interviews conducted in Amharic were interpreted on the spot with the assistance of an interpreter who was also present during all English interviews, to provide translations as needed. The data analysis, on the other hand,  was done by coding, and codes and statements were recorded in Microsoft Excel.

The finding of the assessment showed that:

1. Emergency post-pills are commonly used among young and unmarried women between the age of 15‐25 years of age. Besides, most of these women are in a distant relationship. The most common reasons for using post-pill were the breaking off of condoms, unplanned sex, and untimely sex, and the purchase of many pills by the male partner.
2. Frequent users of post-pill have told that they use it because their partners travel often, or live in a different place, and they do not have frequent sex. Women who practice the rhythm method reported using post-pill when they had sex during their most fertile period. However, most women reported using post-pill as their primary birth control. In this regard, all pharmacists shared concerns over the side effects related to repeated use of post-pill. They were concerned about a repeated post-pill use as it leads to irresponsible behavior including reduced condom use and increased HIV/STI transmission. Fear of future infertility was the most common concern mentioned and many women believe that repeated use of post pills could lead to infertility.
3. Many pharmacists reported denying sales to women they deemed were using post-pill too often, which they see as an ethical act. All but one pharmacist noted that they provided directions to take 2 pills, 12 hours apart, within 72 hours following sex. 

All users knew to take post-pill within 72 hours after sex. Most knew to take the pills 12 hours apart, though several took pills in different ways, including one pill before sex and one after, or only taking one pill, they learn about post-pill from community centers, friends and partners, the media, and pharmacists.

• Post pills
• emergency contraceptives
• Key Informant

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This study aims to assess the attitudes and behavior of pharmacists and post-pill users. Besides it provides recommendations for future programming. Methodologically, it was a qualitative study conducted in selected urban and peri-urban areas. In that regard, twenty-two pharmacists were chosen for in‐depth key informant interviews (KII) were selected. Pharmacy sites of Addis Ababa and Hawassa were chosen randomly from a list of DKT’s partner pharmacies. In peri‐urban locations, however, convenience sampling was employed. The Amharic version and English version modified from ICEC’s Assessment Interview guidelines were used.  The study has assessed the major reason for use of emergency contraceptives, repeat users of EC, other contraception methods, misconceptions and concerns over side effects, concerns over promiscuity and reduced condom use, pharmacists’ denial of sales, the knowledge for user and pharmacists, and access to information about ECP was assessed. Generally, an assessment of the attitudes and behavior of pharmacists and post-pill users provides key information and recommendation about the attitude and behavior of post-pill providers and users.

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