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Ibrahim MJ, Khalife LE, Ghanem YD, Baz GS, Cherfane MM. Gap in knowledge of health benefits and risks of combined oral contraceptives among Lebanese women. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:60. [PMID: 38166806 PMCID: PMC10763276 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) are among the most commonly used forms of contraception, but they are associated with several health benefits and risks. This study aims to determine the gap in knowledge of the underlying health benefits and risks of OCPs among Lebanese women and to identify the factors that might influence their beliefs. METHODS A questionnaire was completed by 817 Lebanese women aged 18-64 years old and assessed sociodemographic details, medical information, contraceptive practices, knowledge of underlying health benefits and risks, and information needs related to OCPs. RESULTS Among the total participants, 41.5% of women reported using OCPs at some point in their lives yet 46.6% denied receiving information about their benefits and 48% denied receiving information about their risks. The mean total OCP knowledge score was 5.70 out of 25, the mean OCP risk knowledge score was 4.09 out of 15, and the mean OCP benefit knowledge score was 0.77 out of 6. Sociodemographic factors associated with greater total knowledge, risk knowledge and benefit knowledge included OCP usage, being a student, confidence in one's knowledge and satisfaction with one's information. Both the total and risk knowledge scores were found to be higher in women who found that receiving information related to OCPs was important. Finally, participants who lived in central governates had greater total knowledge scores, whereas those with higher levels of education and a family history of endometrial cancer demonstrated better benefit knowledge. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted the poor knowledge of health benefits and risks associated with OCP use among Lebanese women and the associated sociodemographic factors that might influence their beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun J Ibrahim
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon, Level 4, Office 4702, Byblos, P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
| | - Lynn E Khalife
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon, Level 4, Office 4702, Byblos, P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
| | - Yara D Ghanem
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon, Level 4, Office 4702, Byblos, P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
| | - Ghady S Baz
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon, Level 4, Office 4702, Byblos, P.O. Box 36, Lebanon
| | - Michele M Cherfane
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon, Level 4, Office 4702, Byblos, P.O. Box 36, Lebanon.
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon.
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Grandi G, Monari F, Boggio Sola V, Cortesi L, Toss A, Del Savio MC, Melotti C, Centurioni MG, Gustavino C, Varesco L, Facchinetti F, Barra F. BRCA mutation carriers' perception about benefits and risks associated with combined hormonal contraceptives use. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2022; 27:439-444. [PMID: 35946412 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2022.2107199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the actual perceptions about combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) use in BRCA mutation carriers in comparison to women from the general population. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, observational study involving two Italian referral centres for hereditary cancers. An identical questionnaire investigating how CHC use could affect the risk of developing some types of cancer, specific diseases, and symptoms was administered to 85 BRCA mutation carriers and 85 healthy women without this genetic mutation (control group). Women's perceptions were evaluated using specific questions and Likert scales (-5 to +5). RESULTS Perceptions about the effects of CHC use on developing specific diseases and symptoms did not differ between BRCA mutation carriers and controls. Conversely, the protective effects of CHC use on colorectal (p = .02), uterine body (p = .01) and ovarian (p = .01) cancers were unknown by BRCA mutation carriers. Moreover, BRCA mutation carriers recognised the association between CHC use and a higher risk of breast (p = .0008) and uterine cervix cancer (p = .007). CONCLUSIONS Investing time and effort in transmitting the correct key messages about oncological risk related to CHC use could potentially increase their use in BRCA mutation carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Grandi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Monari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Boggio Sola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Cortesi
- Department of Oncology, Haematology and Respiratory Disease, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Angela Toss
- Department of Oncology, Haematology and Respiratory Disease, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Del Savio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Melotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Centurioni
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Gustavino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Liliana Varesco
- Unit of Hereditary Cancer, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Facchinetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Barra
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding Contraceptive Pill and Its Side Effects among Women in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia. Clin Pract 2022; 12:268-275. [PMID: 35645309 PMCID: PMC9149825 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract12030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Contraception is one of the common methods of family planning. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is among the most effective methods of contraception. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral contraception use and its side effects among women in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was carried out among adult women 18 years and older in the Jazan region. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess their demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, previous experience, and pattern of OCP usage. Descriptive analysis and a logistic regression model were used to analyse data. About 570 questionnaires were distributed and achieved a 98.3% response rate. The majority of women participants were between 18 and 25 years old, and 51.4% of the respondents reported that they had previously used or were using OCP. We found that women had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards OCP, with more than half of the users preferring them over other contraceptive methods. This study indicates that attitude, knowledge, and prior experience of OCP have no significant effect on the usage pattern of OCP among women with relatively high socioeconomic status in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.
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Corrêa DAS, Felisbino-Mendes MS, Mendes MS, Malta DC, Velasquez-Melendez G. Factors associated with the contraindicated use of oral contraceptives in Brazil. Rev Saude Publica 2017; 51:1. [PMID: 28099550 PMCID: PMC5260930 DOI: 10.1590/s1518-8787.2017051006113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of the contraindicated use of oral contraceptives and the associated factors in Brazilian women. METHODS 20,454 women who answered the VIGITEL survey in 2008 also participated in this study, of which 3,985 reported using oral contraceptives. We defined the following conditions for the contraindicated use of contraceptives: hypertension; cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke/cerebrovascular accident; diabetes mellitus; being smoker and 35 years old or older. We estimated the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals of contraindicated use in users of oral contraceptives and the factors associated with contraindication by prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS In the total population, 21% (95%CI 19.7-21.9) of women showed some contraindication to the use of oral contraceptives, of which 11.7% (95%CI 10.6-13.7) belonged to the group of users of oral contraceptives. The most frequent contraindication in users of oral contraceptives was hypertension (9.1%). The largest proportion of women with at least one contraindication was aged between 45 and 49 years (45.8%) and with education level between zero and eight years (23.8%). The prevalence of contraindication to oral contraceptives was higher in women less educated (zero to eight years of study) (PR = 2.46; 95%CI 1.57-3.86; p < 0.05) and with age between 35-44 years (PR = 4.00; 95%CI 2.34-6.83) and 45-49 years (PR = 5.59; 95%CI 2.90-10.75). CONCLUSIONS Age greater than or equal to 35 and low education level were demographic and iniquity factors, respectively, in the contraindicated use of oral contraceptives. OBJETIVO Estimar a prevalência de contraindicação ao uso de anticoncepcionais orais e os fatores associados em mulheres brasileiras. MÉTODOS Participaram 20.454 mulheres que responderam ao inquérito Vigitel em 2008, das quais 3.985 reportaram uso de contraceptivos orais. Definiu-se como uso contraindicado de anticoncepcionais quando presente pelo menos uma condição: hipertensão; doenças cardiovasculares como infarto, derrame/acidente vascular encefálico; diabetes mellitus; ser tabagista e ter idade igual ou maior de 35 anos. Foram estimadas as prevalências e intervalos de 95% de confiança de uso contraindicado em usuárias de anticoncepcionais orais e fatores associados à contraindicação por meio de razões de prevalência e intervalos de 95% de confiança. RESULTADOS Na população total, 21,0% (IC95% 19,7-21,9) das mulheres apresentaram alguma contraindicação ao uso de anticoncepcionais orais, das quais 11,7% (IC95% 10,6-13,7) pertenciam ao grupo de usuárias de anticoncepcionais orais. A contraindicação mais freqüente entre as usuárias de anticoncepcionais orais foi hipertensão (9,1%). A maior proporção de mulheres com pelo menos uma contraindicação tinha entre 45 a 49 anos (45,8%) e escolaridade entre zero e oito (23,8%). A prevalência de contraindicação de anticoncepcionais orais foi maior nas mulheres menos escolarizadas (zero a oito anos de estudos) (RP = 2,46; IC95% 1,57-3,86; p < 0,05) e idade entre 35-44 anos (RP = 4,00; IC95% 2,34-6,83) e 45-49 anos (RP = 5,59; IC95% 2,90-10,75). CONCLUSÕES Idade maior ou igual a 35 e escolaridade baixa foram fatores demográficos e de iniquidade, respectivamente, no uso contraindicado de contraceptivos orais.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Aparecida Silva Corrêa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Escola de Enfermagem. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Mariana Santos Felisbino-Mendes
- Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública. Escola de Enfermagem. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Mayara Santos Mendes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Escola de Enfermagem. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Deborah Carvalho Malta
- Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública. Escola de Enfermagem. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Gustavo Velasquez-Melendez
- Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública. Escola de Enfermagem. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Foroutan N, Dabaghzadeh F. Evaluating the practice of Iranian community pharmacists regarding oral contraceptive pills using simulated patients. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2016; 14:745. [PMID: 28042350 PMCID: PMC5184372 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2016.04.745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As oral contraceptive pills are available over the counter in pharmacies, pharmacists are professionally responsible for checking and informing patients about every aspect of taking these drugs. Simulated patient method is a new and robust way to evaluate professional performance of pharmacists. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacy practice of Iranian pharmacists regarding over-the-counter use of oral contraceptive pills using simulated patient method. METHODS Simulated patients visited pharmacy with a prescription containing ciprofloxacin and asked for oral contraceptive pills. The pharmacist was expected to ask important questions for using these drugs and to inform the patient about them properly. Moreover, the Pharmacists should advise patients in regard to the possible interaction. RESULTS Ninety four pharmacists participated in this study. In 24 (25.3%) visits, the liable pharmacist was not present at the time of purchase. Furthermore, In 13 (18.57 %) visits by the simulated patients, the liable pharmacists did not pay any attention to the simulated patients even when they asked for consultation. Twenty nine (41.43%) pharmacists did not ask any question during dispensing. Nausea was the most frequent described side effect by pharmacists (27 (38.57%)). Yet important adverse effects of oral contraceptive pills were not mentioned by the pharmacists except for few ones. Only twelve (17.14%) pharmacists mentioned the possible interaction. There was a significant relation between the pharmacists' gender and detection of possible interaction (p value= 0.048). CONCLUSION The quality of the pharmacists' consultations regarding the over the counter use of oral contraceptive pills was not satisfactory and required improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Foroutan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences . Kerman ( Iran ).
| | - Fatemeh Dabaghzadeh
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences . Kerman ( Iran ).
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Higgins JA, Smith NK. The Sexual Acceptability of Contraception: Reviewing the Literature and Building a New Concept. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2016; 53:417-56. [PMID: 26954608 PMCID: PMC4868075 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2015.1134425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
How contraceptives affect women's sexual well-being is critically understudied. Fortunately, a growing literature focuses on sexual aspects of contraception, especially hormonal contraception's associations with libido. However, a more holistic approach to contraceptive sexual acceptability is needed to capture the full range of women's sexual experiences. We conducted a narrative literature review of this topic, working with an original sample of 3,001 citations published from 2005 to 2015. In Part 1, we draw from a subset of this literature (264 citations) to build a new conceptual model of sexual acceptability. Aspects include macro factors (gender, social inequality, culture, and structure), relationship factors (dyadic influences and partner preferences), and individual factors (sexual functioning, sexual preferences, such as dis/inhibition, spontaneity, pleasure, the sexual aspects of side effects, such as bleeding, mood changes, sexual identity and sexual minority status, and pregnancy intentions). In Part 2, we review the empirical literature on the sexual acceptability of individual methods (103 citations), applying the model as much as possible. Results suggest contraceptives can affect women's sexuality in a wide variety of positive and negative ways that extend beyond sexual functioning alone. More attention to sexual acceptability could promote both women's sexual well-being and more widespread, user-friendly contraceptive practices.
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Pocius KD, Dutton CR. Update on Hormonal Contraception and Obesity. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-014-0104-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Nappi RE, Pellegrinelli A, Campolo F, Lanzo G, Santamaria V, Suragna A, Spinillo A, Benedetto C. Effects of combined hormonal contraception on health and wellbeing: women's knowledge in northern Italy. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2014; 20:36-46. [PMID: 25317952 DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2014.961598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated levels of knowledge of the effects of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) on general/reproductive health and physical/psychosexual wellbeing. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in two university hospitals in northern Italy. Healthy current-, past- and never CHC users (n = 545; age 18-44 years) completed a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS Ninety-three percent of current-, 74% of past-, and 56% of never users believed they were sufficiently informed (χ(2): 67.1; p = 0.001) about the benefits and risks of CHCs. Respondents mentioned: (i) a reduced risk of ovarian (67%) and endometrial (53%) cancer; (ii) an increased risk of thrombosis (82%); (iii) an increased risk of breast cancer (45%); (iv) a decreased fertility (19%) and no influence on risk of sexually transmitted infections (48%); (v) a reduced risk of menstrual abnormalities (77%) and acne (79%); (vi) less dysmenorrhoea (83%) and more headache (56%), weight gain (74%), increased appetite (51%), leg cramps (77%), mood swings (45%), vaginal dryness (47%), and low sex drive (48%). Beliefs about diseases/conditions and symptoms were influenced by CHC use. CONCLUSIONS CHC use is linked to good knowledge of risks and benefits. Our data suggest HCPs must be proactive in providing relevant information so that women can choose their contraception with a balanced insight of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella E Nappi
- * Research Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Gynaecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Fondazione IRCCS San Matteo , Pavia , Italy
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Obreli-Neto PR, Pereira LRL, Guidoni CM, Baldoni ADO, Marusic S, de Lyra-Júnior DP, de Almeida KL, Pazete ACM, do Nascimento JD, Kos M, Girotto E, Cuman RKN. Use of simulated patients to evaluate combined oral contraceptive dispensing practices of community pharmacists. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79875. [PMID: 24324584 PMCID: PMC3853625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined oral contraceptive (COC) use is the most commonly used reversible method of birth control. The incorrect use of COCs is frequent and one of the most common causes of unintended pregnancies. Community pharmacists (CPs) are in a strategic position to improve COC use because they are the last health professional to interact with patients before drug use. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the COC dispensing practices of CPs in a developing country. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in community pharmacies of Assis and Ourinhos microregions, Brazil, between June 1, 2012, and October 30, 2012. Four simulated patients (SPs) (with counseled audio recording) visited community pharmacies with a prescription for Ciclo 21(®) (a COC containing ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg + levonorgestrel 15 mcg). The audio recording of every SP visit was listened to independently by 3 researchers to evaluate the COC dispensing practice. The percentage of CPs who performed a screening for safe use of COCs (i.e., taking of patients' medical and family history, and measuring of blood pressure) and provided counseling, as well as the quality of the screening and counseling, were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 185 CPs contacted, 41 (22.2%) agreed to participate in the study and finished the study protocol. Only 3 CPs asked the SP a question (1 question asked by each professional), and all of the questions were closed-ended, viz., "do you smoke?" (n = 2) and "what is your age?" (n = 1). None of the CPs measured the patient's blood pressure. Six CPs provided counseling when dispensing COCs (drug dosing, 5 CPs; possible adverse effects, 2 CPs), and one CP provided counseling regarding both aspects. CONCLUSION The CPs evaluated did not dispense COC appropriately and could influence in the occurrence of negatives therapeutic outcomes such as adverse effects and treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Régis Leira Pereira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camilo Molino Guidoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Baldoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Srecko Marusic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | | | | | | | - Mitja Kos
- Chair of Social Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Edmarlon Girotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
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Johnson S, Pion C, Jennings V. Current methods and attitudes of women towards contraception in Europe and America. Reprod Health 2013; 10:7. [PMID: 23384291 PMCID: PMC3599328 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4755-10-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The choice of available contraceptive methods has increased in recent years; however, recent data on women’s awareness of methods and reasons for their method choice, or reasons for changing methods, is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the use and awareness of contraceptive methods in the USA, UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. Methods Quantitative survey of heterosexual women aged 25–44 years (n=2544), with no known infertility. Questions related to knowledge and use of contraceptive methods, reasons for choice and for changing methods, and sources of advice. Results There was generally good awareness of most forms of contraception in all five countries. Awareness and current usage was greatest for the contraceptive pill (awareness >98%, usage varied from 35% [Spain] to 63% [Germany]); and male condom (awareness >95%, usage varied from 20% [Germany] to 47% [Spain]); awareness of other methods varied between countries. Doctors have the greatest influence on women’s choice of contraceptive method (>50% for all countries), and are most likely to suggest the contraceptive pill or male condom. Women’s contraceptive needs change; 4–36% of contraceptive pill users were likely to change their method within 12 months. For previous contraceptive pill users (n=377), most common reason for change was concern about side effects (from 26% [Italy] to 10% [UK]); however, awareness of many non-hormonal contraceptive methods was low. Conclusions Women aged 25–44 are aware of a wide variety of contraceptive methods, but knowledge and usage of the contraceptive pill and condoms predominates. Changing contraception method is frequent, occurring for a variety of reasons, including change in life circumstances and, for pill users, concerns about side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Johnson
- Clinical and Medical Affairs Manager, SPD Development Company Limited, Priory Business Park, Bedford MK44 3UP, United Kingdom.
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