Adolescents: is there an association between knowledge of oral contraceptives and profession of provider?

Knowledge about oral contraceptives (OCs) was investigated among young users of OCs by profession of provider, namely, physician or public health nurse. A 44-item questionnaire designed to assess communication about contraception and knowledge of OCs was distributed to students in 11 of 13 high schools in Trondheim, Norway. Data from 688 OC users were eligible for analyses. Knowledge about OCs was measured by means of 15 questions, from which scores on three separate indices and a total index were determined. Separate indices included knowledge about physical changes during OC use (index I), knowledge about the pill's relative efficacy (index II) and knowledge about risks of cancer/ thromboembolism (index III). Logistic regression analyses showed that high scores with regard to knowledge indices were predicted by sexual activity and communication about contraception with peers and/or parents. Profession of provider was not associated with high knowledge scores. Information given during brief and annual discussions with health professionals appears to have an insignificant impact as compared with information from other sources. Our results plead for an over-the-counter practice.