Compliance, counseling and satisfaction with oral contraceptives: a prospective evaluation

Abstract

Context: Oral contraceptive users' risk of accidental pregnancy may be higher than it should be, because of inconsistent pill-taking. However, few reliable data are available on pill users' everyday experiences with their method, especially characteristics that may affect consistency of use.

Methods: Two months after initiating or resuming oral contraceptive use, a nationwide sample of 943 women completed questionnaires examining their compliance with instructions for proper use, the quality of their interactions with their provider, their satisfaction with the method, and the frequency and costs of visits or calls to their providers because of pill-related side effects. Regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with compliance difficulties and method dissatisfaction.

Results: In all, 47% of users missed one or more pills per cycle, and 22% missed two or more. Women who lacked an established pill-taking routine, who did not read and understand all of the informational material accompanying the pill package, or who experienced spotting or heavy bleeding had increased odds of missing two or more pills per cycle. Method satisfaction was most likely among women who were aware of the pill's noncontraceptive benefits, were satisfied with their relationship with their provider, had used the pill in the past and experienced few side effects. Some 22% of users called their provider at least once about pill-related side effects, and 9% made at least one visit for this reason; these women spent $25 and $62, respectively, to treat side effects.

Conclusions: Improving pill use is a shared responsibility of the provider, the patient and, to a lesser degree, pill manufacturers. Awareness of potential difficulties such as inadequate counseling is a key step in helping women use oral contraceptives effectively.

PIP: The Organon Contraceptive Use Study, a prospective cohort study (1994-96) of 943 US women (mean age, 25 years) recruited through private medical practices, Planned Parenthood clinics, and a health maintenance organization, examined oral contraceptive (OC) use patterns. 95% of study participants began or switched to a new OC brand at study enrollment. At follow up 2 months after enrollment, 47% of pill users reported missing 1 or more pill per cycle and 22% missed 2 or more pills in each cycle. Those who missed 1 or more pill were significantly more likely than those who did not to lack an established pill-taking routine, not to have read or understood the informational material accompanying the pill, and to have experienced spotting or heavy bleeding. 34% rated the OC as a very good method and another 30% considered it a good method. Method satisfaction was significantly higher among OC users who were aware of the pill's noncontraceptive health benefits, had a good relationship with their OC provider, had used the pill in the past, and experienced few side effects. 22% of OC recipients called their provider at least once about pill-related side effects and 9% visited at least once for this reason; these women spent US$25 and $62, respectively, to treat side effects. Recommended, to increase patient compliance and satisfaction with OCs, are measures such as counseling on potential side effects, evaluations of consistency of use at all follow-up contacts, and attention to the quality of the provider-client relationship.