Disparities in knowledge and interest about benefits and risks of combined oral contraceptives

This pilot study aimed at identifying counselling topics relevant to young women, at comparing their perceived and actual knowledge about combined oral contraceptives (COCs), and at determining the appropriate scope of counselling material about benefits and risks of COCs.

Thirty women aged 18-24 completed an online questionnaire assessing information needs and knowledge about 25 medical conditions under consideration as potential counselling items (benefits, risks and myths) and preferences about counselling material.

Respondents were unable to identify non-contraceptive benefits of COCs or potential severe health risks and had some misconceptions. They rated their knowledge of specific COC effects significantly lower than their corresponding interest in the effect. In contrast, the assessment of how well participants felt they were informed about benefits and risks was rated predominantly as 'rather well'. Eleven items were identified as relevant to patients, the most relevant being cancer-related effects of COCs whereas there was less interest in thrombotic risk. Participants preferred detailed counselling materials and considered gynaecologists, patient information leaflets and the internet as their major sources of information.

While most women were confident of being knowledgeable about COCs, many were unaware of their knowledge gap. Healthcare professionals should proactively educate about items relevant to their patients. Counselling materials provided by the gynaecologist seem to be an appropriate communication channel. Additional efforts are needed to improve knowledge of the thrombotic and other risk associated with COCs.