title: Knowledge and beliefs about mechanism of action of birth control methods among European women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adequate knowledge is essential for making informed decisions. We attempted to determine the level of knowledge about mechanisms of action of birth control methods in five representative samples of European women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomly selected women, aged 18-49 years, completed an anonymous survey in Germany, France, the UK, Sweden and Romania (N=1137). Participants were asked about how contraceptive methods work and if providers should inform them about this issue. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate women's characteristics associated with their knowledge of mechanisms of action.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of women identified the unequivocal mode of action of condoms, sterilization and abortion. Fewer than 2% identified all possible mechanisms of action of hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices. Highly educated women correctly identified the mechanism or mechanisms of action of more methods than less educated women (β=0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.43). Regardless of their sociodemographic characteristics and their belief about when human life begins, most women (75%) stated that the provider should inform them about possible postfertilization effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  European women have low knowledge about mechanisms of action of several contraceptive methods. The majority want to be informed about possible postfertilization effects. Since adequate knowledge is essential for making informed decisions, providers are encouraged to inform women about all possible mechanisms of action of contraceptives.
authors: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. cldelburgo@unav.es
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Lopez-del Burgo
authors: Rafael T
authors: RT
authors: Mikolajczyk
authors: Alfonso
authors: A
authors: Osorio
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Carlos
authors: Tania
authors: T
authors: Errasti
authors: Jokin
authors: J
authors: de Irala
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors