title: Feasibility study of the use of a daily electronic mail reminder to improve oral contraceptive compliance.
abstract: Women who ingest their oral contraceptive pill (OCP) as part of a daily routine are more likely use their OCPs correctly. This trial examines the feasibility of an electronic-mail (e-mail) reminder system to improve OCP compliance. An e-mail reminder was sent to 50 new OCP users daily for 3 months. Subjects sent an e-mail reply to confirm receipt. OCP compliance was recorded on diaries. Four subjects were discontinued for not checking their e-mail. Active participants missed a median of 18% of the e-mail reminders (range: 0-65%). A follow-up visit was scheduled after completion of three OCP cycles. Of the 40 subjects returning completed diaries, 50% missed no active pills at all and 20% missed at least one in each cycle. Most found the daily e-mail somewhat (65%) or very helpful (19%) for OCP compliance. Of those continuing OCPs, 64% wanted to continue receiving e-mail reminders at the completion of the study. Because inconsistent OCP use is a significant cause of unplanned conception, the use of e-mail to improve OCP compliance has the potential to decrease unintended pregnancies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. mfox1@umm.edu
authors.forename: Michelle C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Mitchell D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Creinin
authors.forename: Amitasrigowri S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Murthy
authors.forename: Bryna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Harwood
authors.forename: Lynn M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010414:Pennsylvania; D017010:Reminder Systems
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral