Oral contraceptive pill use, decisional balance, risk perception and knowledge: An exploratory study

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between parameters of decision models (e.g. decisional balance, knowledge and perception of risk) and developmental/career models (e.g. transtheoretical model of behavioural change/precaution adoption process) of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use. Ninety-four women completed an anonymous self-completion questionnaire. Participants were identified as belonging to one of five stages of an OCP-taking cycle. Those identified at the different stages were compared using measures of decisional balance, subjective knowledge and perceptions of risk. Hypothesized significant differences were found between the stages in terms of perceptions of (1) perceived risk associated with OCP use, (2) positive and negative aspects of OCP-taking (decisional balance) and (3) subjective knowledge. Results indicated that women who had never been on the OCP before but would consider taking it in the future perceived (1) themselves as less knowledgeable, (2) OCP use as more risky and (3) more cons in OCP use than current and ex-OCP users. An integrative model of risk perception indicated that career model parameters were stronger associates of risk perception than decisional factors. The study provides some evidence for the application of stage models to the understanding of OCP use.