Résumé
Objective of Study: To assess the efficacy, safety popular believes, regarding oral contraceptives in general public and their validity in the face of medical evidence. Design: A cross-sectional and observational study. The sample consisted of 328 sexually active women using Combined Oral Contraceptives [COC] as mode of contraception. These women were interviewed according to a questionnaire, seeking information about the age, parity, education, social status and age at which first COC was taken. In women who ever used COCs, information was obtained regarding the duration, preparation, side-effects and their believes regarding COC
Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Allama Iqbal Medical College and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Period: November, 2003- June, 2004
Material and Methods: Women presenting in OPD and wards
Results: 17% women were taking oral contraceptive pills as mode of contraception. 78% believed that pill causes weight gain. 67% thought that women need a break while taking the pill. 42% considered pills as effective acne treatment and 62% thought that COCs affect fertility. 55% women believed that pills reduce sexual performance. 75% thought that pill causes breast cancer while 58% had no knowledge about non-contraceptive benefits of the pill. 80% had no information that pill can protect from ovarian cancer
Conclusions: Despite myths, pill is still widely used worldwide. There are some women who will not consider the pill because of the myths they have heard. It is very important for women to be educated about the birth control pill so that they are able to base their contraceptive decisions on facts and not on myths and misinformation