# Oral Contraceptive Knowledge Among Adolescents and Young Women

## TL;DR

This study finds that adolescents and young women have limited knowledge about oral contraceptives, highlighting a need for better education to support informed choices.

## Contribution

The study identifies gaps in oral contraceptive knowledge and explores interest in over-the-counter options among young women.

## Key findings

- The average knowledge score was 4.08 out of 9, indicating low understanding of oral contraceptives.
- Most respondents did not correctly answer questions about side effects and mechanism of action.
- Over 60% of participants expressed interest in over-the-counter oral contraceptives despite limited knowledge.

## Abstract

This study aims to describe oral contraceptive knowledge among adolescents and young women, and to examine individuals’ characteristics associated with oral contraceptive knowledge. A cross-sectional survey was administered using an online panel. Females aged 16 to 24 were recruited. Oral contraceptive knowledge was measured using nine items with six domains, including oral contraceptive use, efficacy, indication, mechanism of action, risks, and side effects. A summated score was created, with a score of 9 indicating highest level of knowledge. Multivariable regression was used to examine significant socio-demographics and clinical characteristics. Among the 700 included responses, largest proportion of respondents were White (45.43%) and were covered by public insurance (43.14%). A total of 446 (63.71%) respondents expressed at least slight interest in using over-the-counter oral contraceptives. Overall, the mean score of knowledge was 4.08 out of 9. Most did not correctly answer questions about side effects, the mechanism of action and appropriate use. Similar patterns were observed among those who were interested in over-the-counter oral contraceptives (mean = 4.11). Adolescents and young women had a low level of oral contraceptive knowledge. With a high proportion of individuals interested in over-the-counter oral contraceptives, additional information support is needed to support informed contraception choice and use.