Oral contraceptive patient information. A questionnaire study of attitudes, knowledge, and preferred information sources

L. Fleckenstein, P. Joubert, R. Lawrence, B. Patsner, J. M. Mazzullo and L. Lasagna

A questionnaire was designed to assess attitudes, knowledge, and views and sources of drug information on oral contraceptives, with particular attention to the role of the patient-oriented package insert. An analysis of 828 completed questionnaires shows that many women are apprehensive about the safety of oral contraceptives. The impact of the patient-oriented oral contraceptive insert on the women surveyed appears to be positive. The present labeling is read and found useful by most oral-contraceptive users. Patients were variably informed about the correct use and side effects discussed in current labeling, suggesting a need for improved transmission of important drug information. Patients preferred information from health professionals and printed sources over media sources. Balanced label information about risks of oral contraceptives should be made available to improve the likelihood of sound risk-benefit judgments.