Population Council Research that makes a difference

Abstract

The power of information and contraceptive choice in a family planning setting in Mexico (PDF) (HTML) 
Lazcano Ponce,Eduardo C.; Sloan,Nancy L.; Winikoff,Beverly; Langer,Ana; Coggins,Christiana; Heimburger,Angela; Conde-Glez,Carlos J.; Salmeron,Jorge
Sexually Transmitted Infections 76(4): 277-281
Publication date: 2000

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Objectives
This study measured the effect of information aboutfamily planning methods and STD risk factors and prevention,together with personal choice on the selection of intrauterinedevices (IUDs) by clients with cervical infection.

Methods
We conducted a randomised, controlled trial in whichfamily planning clients were assigned to one of two groups,the standard practice (control) group in which the providerselected the woman's contraceptive and the information and choice(intervention) group. The study enrolled 2107 clients in a familyplanning clinic in Mexico City.

Results
Only 2.1% of the clients had gonorrhoea or chlamydialinfections. Significantly fewer women in the intervention groupselected the IUD than the proportion for whom the IUD was recommendedin the standard care group by clinicians (58.2% v 88.2%, p=0.0000).The difference was even more pronounced among infected women:47.8% v 93.2% (intervention v control group, p=0.0006).

Conclusions
The intervention increased the selection of condomsand reduced the selection of IUDs, especially among women withcervical infections, for whom IUD insertion is contraindicated.

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