Communicating contraceptive effectiveness: A randomized controlled trial to inform a World Health Organization family planning handbook.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to compare 3 different approaches for increasing clients' understanding of contraceptive effectiveness.


METHODS
We randomized 900 reproductive-age women in India and Jamaica to 1 of 3 charts presenting pregnancy risk.


RESULTS
The most important reason for choosing a contraceptive was how well it prevents pregnancy (54%) followed by few side effects (17%). At baseline, knowledge about contraceptive effectiveness was poor. About half knew oral contraceptive pills are more effective than condoms (46%) and intrauterine devices are more effective than injectables (50%). All 3 charts improved knowledge significantly (P < .01) for these 2 questions. No chart improved knowledge better than any other (P > .05). The chart ranking contraceptive methods on a continuum was judged slightly easier to understand than the other 2 charts.


CONCLUSIONS
Only with accurate understanding of pregnancy risk can clients make informed choices. Our results have already informed a global handbook for family planning providers to use the chart ranking contraceptive methods on a continuum.
Steiner
Markus J
MJ
Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. msteiner@fhi.org
Trussell
James
J
Mehta
Neha
N
Condon
Sean
S
Subramaniam
Sumathi
S
Bourne
Deborah
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003142:Communication; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003376:Counseling; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007563:Jamaica; D018570:Risk Assessment; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014944:World Health Organization