The power of information and contraceptive choice in a family planning setting in Mexico.
OBJECTIVE
This study measured the effect of information about family planning methods and STD risk factors and prevention, together with personal choice on the selection of intrauterine devices (IUDs) by clients with cervical infection.


METHODS
We conducted a randomised, controlled trial in which family planning clients were assigned to one of two groups, the standard practice (control) group in which the provider selected the woman's contraceptive and the information and choice (intervention) group. The study enrolled 2107 clients in a family planning clinic in Mexico City.


RESULTS
Only 2.1% of the clients had gonorrhoea or chlamydial infections. Significantly fewer women in the intervention group selected the IUD than the proportion for whom the IUD was recommended in the standard care group by clinicians (58.2% v 88.2%, p = 0.0000). The difference was even more pronounced among infected women: 47.8% v 93.2% (intervention v control group, p = 0.0006).


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention increased the selection of condoms and reduced the selection of IUDs, especially among women with cervical infections, for whom IUD insertion is contraindicated.
Lazcano Ponce
E C
EC
Centro de Investigaciones en Salud Publica, Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. elazcano@insp3.insp.mx
Sloan
N L
NL
Winikoff
B
B
Langer
A
A
Coggins
C
C
Heimburger
A
A
Conde-Glez
C J
CJ
Salmeron
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D000075202:Contraindications; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control