A simple experiment to improve adherence for taking the oral contraceptive pill: An exploratory study of behavioural mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES

Full adherence is imperative to ensure the prevention of unintended pregnancies, which have serious health and financial impacts on women. Previous research has identified the importance of cues (habit-based) and providing information from a credible source (non-habit-based) in facilitating adherence.

DESIGN

A 6 week experiment was developed to increase adherence to the pill (primary outcome) as well as increase habit strength for taking the pill (secondary outcome).

METHODS

A sample of Australians who menstruate (N = 77, M = 25.18, SD = 3.49) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) a control group, (2) receiving information from a credible source, (3) implementing a daily cue, and (4) receiving both the information and instructions to implement a cue. At baseline and six-weeks, participants completed two measures of adherence to the pill, and a measure of habit strength.

RESULTS

Mixed-model ANOVAs revealed no significant changes in adherence to the pill across conditions, over time. There was a significant increase in habit strength over time (η2 = .11), across all conditions (η2 = .11). However, these changes did not significantly differ by condition (p = .071).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest participating in an experiment, regardless of condition, may make taking the pill more salient and thus increase habit strength. It also suggests that providing information from a credible source nor associating taking the pill with a daily cue substantially increased adherence. However, adherence was positively skewed and therefore these findings need to be further explored with individuals with lower adherence.