Information sources used by women in Finland who use hormonal contraceptives.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine information sources used by women who use hormonal contraceptives (HCs), and how information source affected women's attitudes and perceptions in 2001 and 2007.


METHODS
The questionnaires were distributed from university pharmacies in 12 large cities across Finland.


METHODS
The data were collected with two questionnaire surveys among women who used hormonal contraceptives in 2001 and 2007. In the 2001 survey the response rate was 53% (n = 264) and in the 2007 survey 55% (n = 436).


RESULTS
The number of respondents who considered professional information sources the most important information sources was markedly bigger in 2007 than in 2001 (P = 0.005). The most common source of information concerning the benefits of hormonal contraceptives was a physician (2001: 43%, 2007: 53%). The most common source of information concerning the risks of hormonal contraceptives was friends and relatives (43%) in 2001 and physician in 2007 (35%). Only a few percent of the respondents considered a pharmacy the most important information source both the 2001 and 2007 surveys.


CONCLUSIONS
The importance of health care professionals as sources of information concerning hormonal contraceptives has increased. However, role of pharmacists as information source was surprisingly small. Women who use hormonal contraceptives need more information from professional sources to alleviate possible fears associated with use.
Tiihonen
Miia
M
Department of Social Pharmacy, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland. miia.tiihonen@uku.fi
Heikkinen
Anna-Mari
AM
Leppänen
Hanna-Mari
HM
Ahonen
Riitta
R
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000639:trends*; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D033062:Friends; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008402:Mass Media; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D024382:Professional Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal