Oral contraceptive risk assessment: a survey of 247 educated women.

OBJECTIVE

To determine womens' beliefs regarding the risks and health benefits of oral contraceptives (OCs).

METHODS

Between April 26 and June 7, 1991, 247 women completed a self-administered questionnaire at the Yale University Health Services evaluating their perceptions of the risks and benefits of OC agents.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 30.2 years (range 16-68), and more than 90% of the study group had at least 1 year of college education. Forty-nine percent of the study group believed there are substantial risks to OC use. Between 80-95% of women were unaware of the following health benefits of OCs: decreased risks of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, anemia, and benign breast disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceptions of the risks of OCs are exaggerated and there is a clear knowledge deficit with regard to their health benefits. Increased educational efforts by health care providers should emphasize the health benefits of OCs and attempt to dispel the common misconceptions.