May 18, 2006 Most important reason for contraceptive choice
 I’m curious to know, what is the most important reason women give in choosing a method of contraception?
 Of course there are many different attributes that can go into contraceptive choice. And clients’ needs and desires vary greatly. Thus it is crucial to provide as many contraceptive options as is practicable, to try to best satisfy individual needs and desires.
Interestingly, in a recent FHI study, contraceptive effectiveness was found to be far and away the most important factor. In this convenience sample of 450 women in India and 450 in Jamaica in response to an open-ended question, 54% overall cited how well a method prevents pregnancy as the most important reason for choice. Second most common overall was how few side effects it has at 17%.
A previous study from the US also found effectiveness was the most important factor.
References:
1.Steiner MJ, Trussell J, Mehta N, Condon S, Subramaniam S, Bourne D. Communicating contraceptive effectiveness: A randomized controlled trial to inform a World Health Organization family planning handbook. A J Ob Gyn 2006; Available on Line
2. Steiner MJ, Dalebout S, Condon S, Dominik R, Trussell J. Understanding risk: a randomized controlled trial of communicating contraceptive effectiveness. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2003;102:709-17.
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Pearl Archive
The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
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