title: Knowledge of users of low-dose oral combined contraceptives about the method.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to identify the knowledge of users of combined oral contraceptive about correct use, side effects and complications; to verify the correlation between knowledge about the method with age, education, family income and time of use.
  
  
  METHODS
  cross-sectional study performed in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, from March to July 2010, with 294 women. Data were collected through interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  75% had substantial knowledge about the proper use and side effects and no knowledge about complications. The higher the educational level and family income, the higher the women's knowledge about the correct use of the method. Positive correlation suggests that women who used the method for longer knew more about its side effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  there are knowledge gaps about the method, which are influenced by socioeconomic variables and use time.
authors: Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
authors: Camila Félix
authors: CF
authors: Américo
authors: Paula Sacha Frota
authors: PS
authors: Nogueira
authors: Rebeca Pinho Romero
authors: RP
authors: Vieira
authors: Cleide Gomes
authors: CG
authors: Bezerra
authors: Escolástica Rejane Ferreira
authors: ER
authors: Moura
authors: Marcos Venícios de Oliveira
authors: MV
authors: Lopes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined