Needs and preferences of women users of oral contraceptives in selected countries in Central and Eastern Europe

Tomas Fait, Dmitry Buryak, Monica-Mihaela Cirstoiu, Eva Luczai, Rafal Janczura

Abstract

Background: The availability of various oral contraceptive (OC) pill formulations with different hormone compositions suggests that there is potential to align a particular product with an individual user’s needs and preferences. To explore this concept further, a survey was conducted of current users of OCs to define and confirm areas of specific needs, and to gain insight into their views and preferences for OC formulations.

Methods: During November and December 2015, women users (n=615) of OCs in five Central and Eastern European countries were surveyed in face-to-face interviews conducted by experienced interviewers. The survey questionnaire comprised 34 questions about the use of and specific needs for OCs.

Results: Four basic needs of women taking OCs were identified: reliable contraception, reversibility of contraception, no effect on body weight and safety. Overall, 85% of surveyed women indicated that prevention of pregnancy was the main reason for taking OCs. Weight gain was the side effect of greatest concern with OC use (46% spontaneous answer; 65% aided answer). Independent behavioural segmentation analysis identified four groups – Solved Cycle Problems (46% of participants), Low Hormone Content (22%), Lifestyle (17%) and Beauty (14%) – which characterised the women according to needs and preferences beyond the basic needs of OCs. Each group had unique features and distinct preferences for different formulations of OCs.

Conclusions: Aligning product advantages with specific individual needs may enhance users’ overall experience with OCs as a contraceptive option.

Article Details

Article Type

Original Research

DOI

10.7573/dic.212510

Publication Dates

Accepted: ; Published: .

Citation

Fait T, Buryak D, Cirstoiu M-M, Luczai E, Janczura R. Needs and preferences of women users of oral contraceptives in selected countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Drugs in Context 2018; 7: 212510 DOI: 10.7573/dic.212510

Register for alerts

I would like to be contacted by Drugs in Context when new articles are posted.