Strategies for communicating contraceptive effectiveness

Lopez LM, Steiner M, Grimes DA, Schulz KF

Summary

Informing consumers about how well birth control works

To make a good choice for birth control, people have to know how well different methods work. The pros and cons of the methods are important. People may choose birth control based on how well the method prevents pregnancy. Consumers also need to know what affects the usefulness of the birth control method.

We did a computer search for randomized trials of ways to inform people about how well birth control methods prevent pregnancy. We wrote to researchers to find other trials. The new program or way to inform people could be compared to the usual practice or to another program or means of informing people.

We found five trials. In one study, women learned more from a slide-and-sound format than from having a doctor talk to them. Another trial found that categories were better than numbers in showing how many women might get pregnant with each method. One trial looked at the choice of birth control method. Women in the test program more often chose to be sterilized or to use modern birth control than women with the usual counseling. No trial was clearly based on any learning theory. However, each study used parts of common theories or models.

Little is known about helping consumers choose their method of birth control. Ways to inform people about birth control options should be tested in clinics. Trials should measure the choice of birth control method, along with how much consumers remembered later. Trials could use and test theories to learn what works in birth control counseling.