Table 2 Overarching categories and attributes influencing contraceptive choice
Attribute | Included terms (similar attributes) |
|---|---|
Mechanistic | |
Ease of use | Effort, convenience |
Probability of omission | Mistake-proof, requirement of daily action |
How used | Instructions for use, mechanistic explanation |
Frequency of use | Timing, use pattern (e.g., three out of four weeks) |
Return to fertility | Reversibility, permanence, control over method, childbearing plans |
Effect latency | When method can be started, advanced planning necessary, works immediately |
Foreign body phobia | Comfort with genital touching/genital exam/wearing patch |
Needle phobia | |
Use of hormones | Hormone levels |
Requirement of healthcare provider visit | (for initiation and/or follow-up) |
Post-coital | Works after sex |
Pre-sex preparation | Action required prior to each intercourse |
Method effect | |
Efficacy | Pregnancy prevention, “perfect use”, “typical use” |
Maximizing efficacy | Factors reducing or maximizing efficacy, action required in case of method failure or imperfect use |
STI prevention | |
Side effects/health risks | Safety, contraindications, drug interactions (e.g., antiretrovirals), latex allergy |
Noncontraceptive benefits | Health benefits |
Menstrual changes | Bleeding, cramping |
Postpartum compatibility | Breastfeeding compatible |
Alarm signs | Reasons to return to clinic, serious side effects |
Social/normative | |
Partner support | Partner compliance/involvement/acceptability/attitudes |
Prior experience | Prior method use |
Vicarious experience | Peer experience/advice, health professional input, media, peer/family acceptability/attitudes |
Expectations | Perceptions or myths about methods and complications |
Religions/moral considerations | |
Concealability | Discreet, private (from partner or others) |
Reputation | Popularity, artificiality, naturalness |
Requires parental consent | |
Practical | |
Cost (financial) | Ability to pay, how cost is distributed over time |
Effect on sexual pleasure | Effect on intimacy/spontaneity/libido |
Availability | Where obtained |
Level of sexual activity | How frequently having sex |