Development of a decision aid for women choosing a method of birth control

Abstract

The choice of a contraceptive method is complex and difficult. This study identifies issues for concern for women in selecting a birth control method, examines the accuracy of a self-administered questionnaire based upon these outcomes in predicting actual use, and in a preliminary fashion evaluates the usefulness of such an instrument as a decision aid. A questionnaire was designed to assess women's perceptions of the likelihood of each issue of concern for four birth control methods--oral contraceptives, intrauterine device (IUD), diaphragm, and foam or condoms--as well as the relative value of each issue. It was then tested among a convenience sample of 106 women. A weighted score was constructed by combining likelihood and value estimates for each contraceptive method. The method with the highest score was compared with actual contraceptive use and the intention to use such methods in the future. Positive predictive values were highest for pill use (83 percent) and lowest for IUD use (40 percent). While 65 percent of the sample were satisfied with their current method, 60 percent also found the questionnaire helpful. This attitude was most prevalent among younger, unmarried women. A decision aid for contraceptive decision making appears to be reasonably predictive of actual contraceptive use and helpful in thinking about the choice of a birth control method.