Factors influencing women's preference to select a combined hormonal contraceptive method: a cross-sectional survey in Lithuania.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Effectiveness and side effects are the main concerns when selecting a contraceptive method. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the preference of a combined hormonal contraception method by Lithuanian women, the reasons for selecting one of them and rejecting other two methods, and the factors determining selection or rejection. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional multicenter survey was performed by the Lithuanian Society of Private Obstetricians and Gynecologists. A total of 4134 women, aged 18-49, who visited their physician due to initiation or reinitiation of hormonal contraception completed self-administered questionnaires identifying the reasons to select one method and reject the two remaining ones. Descriptive and inferential statistics methods were used for data analysis. RESULTS The vaginal ring was the most accepted contraception method (55.4%), followed by the pill (35.6%). The skin patch was least preferable (9%). The vaginal ring and the skin patch were mainly selected for the frequency of use (72.9% and 51.2%, respectively), convenience (48.5% and 71%, respectively), and lower probability of noncompliance (48.7% and 63.5%, respectively). The main reason for selecting the pill was familiarity with the method (50.7%). The acceptance of vaginal ring increased with age and was higher among women with higher education. CONCLUSIONS The most important factors when selecting a contraceptive method among the methods with equal effectiveness and similar safety profile were convenience, frequency of use, and lower probability of noncompliance. Age, education, and employment status were found to be other reasons associated with the choice of contraceptive method.