Oral contraceptive risk assessment: a survey of 247 educated women

Abstract

Objective: To determine womens' beliefs regarding the risks and health benefits of oral contraceptives (OCs).

Methods: Between April 26 and June 7, 1991, 247 women completed a self-administered questionnaire at the Yale University Health Services evaluating their perceptions of the risks and benefits of OC agents.

Results: The mean age of the study population was 30.2 years (range 16-68), and more than 90% of the study group had at least 1 year of college education. Forty-nine percent of the study group believed there are substantial risks to OC use. Between 80-95% of women were unaware of the following health benefits of OCs: decreased risks of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, anemia, and benign breast disease.

Conclusions: Perceptions of the risks of OCs are exaggerated and there is a clear knowledge deficit with regard to their health benefits. Increased educational efforts by health care providers should emphasize the health benefits of OCs and attempt to dispel the common misconceptions.