Does current contraceptive choice correspond with user satisfaction?

Abstract

A contraceptive method that suits an individual's needs may be more consistently used leading to greater user satisfaction. We therefore wanted to investigate whether a woman's current contraceptive choice corresponded with qualities identified by women as important. An anonymous survey was completed by women in their reproductive years, living in the North East of England, before seeing a healthcare professional. A total of 177 English-speaking women, who were sexually active and of reproductive age, completed questionnaires giving a response rate of 54%. A correlation was found between the current contraceptive used and the previously stated qualities felt to be important when choosing a method (p = 0.034, χ²-test). Similarly, a relationship was found between the current contraceptive method and reasons stated against choosing a contraceptive (p = 0.002, χ²-test). Overall, British women are generally satisfied with their chosen contraceptive method.

Keywords::

• Acceptability
• attitudes
• contraceptive use
• decision-making
• knowledge

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Appendix 1: Questionnaire

Survey of contraception choice in women attending contraceptive and sexual health clinics