Perceptions of the safety of oral contraceptives among a predominantly Latina population in Texas

Abstract

Background: Fear of side effects and previous negative experiences are common reasons for contraceptive non-use. Study Design: We collected information about perceptions of oral contraceptive (OC) safety from 1,271 women 18-49 years old in El Paso, Texas, and compared their responses to a medical evaluation by a nurse practitioner. We also asked participants about their interest in obtaining OCs over-the-counter (OTC). Results: Among 794 women potentially at risk of unintended pregnancy, 56.0% said that OCs were medically safe for them. Reasons given for OCs being unsafe related to fears of side effects and prior negative experiences rather than true contraindications. Older women and participants recruited at the less affluent recruitment site were significantly more likely to report that OCs were medically unsafe for them (p<0.05). Non-users who thought OCs were medically unsafe for them were as likely to be medically eligible for use as current hormonal users. Among non-users or non-hormonal users and potential OC candidates (n=601), 60.2% said they would be more likely to use OCs if they were available OTC. Conclusions: Women's perception of OC safety does not correlate well with medical eligibility for use. More education about the safety and health benefits of hormonal contraception is needed. OTC availability might contribute to more positive safety perceptions of OCs compared to a prescription environment.

Knowledge and Attitudes about Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Among Latina Women Who Desire Sterilization

“…Women expressed concerns that not having menstrual periods or using hormonal methods for many years would harm their health. Similar concerns have been noted in other studies with Mexican-origin women (Grossman, Fernandez, Hopkins, Amastae, & Potter, 2010; Guendelman, Denny, Mauldon, & Chetkovich, 2000; Rivera, Mendez, Gueye, & Bachmann, 2007). In our cohort study of oral contraceptive users, half of participants stated that it was necessary to take a break from the pill to let your body rest, and many commented that long term use would lead to cancer or other health problems (Potter, et al, 2012; Shedlin, Amastae, Potter, Hopkins, & Grossman, 2013).…”

Beyond love: a qualitative analysis of factors associated with teenage pregnancy among young women with pregnancy experience in Bolgatanga, Ghana

“…Since however there seems to be much misunderstanding about these methods, there is a need to explain fully to young people how these methods work. Such discussions should include the unreliability of 'safe period of the month' , the fact that severe health consequences and significant side effects when using family planning are rare, and the risks associated with carrying a pregnancy to term compared with the use of family planning (Grossman et al 2010).…”

Investigation of the Relationship between Myocardial Infarction, Angina Pectoris, and Venous Thrombosis and Some Risk Factors in the Women Suffering from Cardiovascular Diseases with a History of Contraceptive Pills Consumption

“…One other study revealed that consumption of OCPs in white women was accompanied by an increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and high triglyceride levels (13). Combined OCPs have also been reported to increase the risk of thromboembolic events and cardiovascular disorders, particularly among the obese women who smoke cigarettes or have a family history of cardiovascular diseases (14). Moreover, it has been stated that using OCPs leads to occurrence of diabetes, blood clots, hypertension, and thrombosis (15).…”