Needs and preferences of women users of oral contraceptives in selected countries in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

BackgroundThe availability of various oral contraceptive (OC) pill formulations with different hormone compositions suggests that there is potential to align a particular product with an individual user’s needs and preferences. To explore this concept further, a survey was conducted of current users of OCs to define and confirm areas of specific needs, and to gain insight into their views and preferences for OC formulations.MethodsDuring November and December 2015, women users (n=615) of OCs in five Central and Eastern European countries were surveyed in face-to-face interviews conducted by experienced interviewers. The survey questionnaire comprised 34 questions about the use of and specific needs for OCs.ResultsFour basic needs of women taking OCs were identified: reliable contraception, reversibility of contraception, no effect on body weight and safety. Overall, 85% of surveyed women indicated that prevention of pregnancy was the main reason for taking OCs. Weight gain was the side effect of greatest concern with OC use (46% spontaneous answer; 65% aided answer). Independent behavioural segmentation analysis identified four groups – Solved Cycle Problems (46% of participants), Low Hormone Content (22%), Lifestyle (17%) and Beauty (14%) – which characterised the women according to needs and preferences beyond the basic needs of OCs. Each group had unique features and distinct preferences for different formulations of OCs.ConclusionsAligning product advantages with specific individual needs may enhance users’ overall experience with OCs as a contraceptive option.

Phase 1 study of safety and tolerability of an oral contraceptive containing low‐dose ethinyl oestradiol combined with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir treatment in healthy premenopausal women

“…In terms of study generalizability, a low-dose EE (20 μg)containing OC was utilized, which is reflective of current practice, as women tend to prefer lower doses because of concerns of the side effects of exogenous hormones on their bodies. 15,16 Commonly prescribed OCs contain EE in ranges from 20 to 35 μg with many options available at the lower dose range. Thus, the significance of this study is that it showed that low doses of EE did not result in ALT elevations and therefore drug-induced liver injury.…”

Harms of third- and fourth-generation combined oral contraceptives in premenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A total of 27 studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool; 3 studies were considered as low risk of bias, 39,42,44 9 studies were considered as some concerns, 46,47,49,50,55,56,58,59 and 15 studies at high risk. 29,30,33,[35][36][37]41,48,51,52,54,57,60,61 Most studies that were classified as some concerns exhibited deficits in the randomization process while most studies that were classified as high risk demonstrated concerns in the missing outcome data domain.…”

Contraceptive counselling in abortion care

“…Regarding informational communication, studies in several countries indicate that information and knowledge about side effects and effectiveness are fundamental when women choose contraceptives [25,65,68,[74][75][76][77], including at the time of an abortion [15,72,73].…”

“…Information regarding side effect also seems to be central in counselling since it is common for women to discontinue contraceptive use due to experiences and fear of side effects [25,68,69]. Side effects that trouble women are effects on mood [70], weight gain, and changes in menstrual patterns [76]. Fear of side effects seems to also negatively influence women's contraceptive use after an abortion [79][80][81].…”