Abstract
BackgroundThe evidence regarding oral contraceptives and its effectiveness with concomitant ingestion of antibiotics is conflicting. Until evidence becomes clearer, patients should be aware of this possible interaction. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and the source of information about this interaction in GP patients in Austria.MethodsWithin the framework of the APRES study, 20 Austrian GPs were purposefully selected from among a GP research network and were asked to recruit 200 patients each. The patient cohort was asked to complete a questionnaire. Subsequent analysis included descriptive statistics, statistical tests and logistic regression models.FindingsOverall, 3280 questionnaires could be used for analysis. Of these, 29.7 % (n = 974) of patients acknowledged an awareness of the interaction of antibiotics with OCPs. Women under the age of 46 years acknowledged this interaction in 52.3 % of cases. Positive associations for the belief in an existing interaction in women were identified with age (OR 2.2) and having read the package inserts (OR 1.6). Further, belief was recognized in males based on age (OR 2.5) and tertiary education (OR 2.0). The main source of information regarding antibiotics was the GP (55.9 %).ConclusionsLess than one-third of all participants and half of the women in the reproductive age acknowledged an interaction between antibiotics and OCPs. Since the GP is the main source of information, this finding depicts a large potential for knowledge transfer within the primary health care setting. A multifaceted strategy is needed at both the population and the GP level to improve awareness and to address these educational gaps.
Highlights
Introduction and backgroundOral contraceptive pills (OCP) and antibiotics are both among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the United States and Europe, including Austria [1, 2]
Less than one-third of all participants and half of the women in the reproductive age acknowledged an interaction between antibiotics and OCPs
Since the GP is the main source of information, this finding depicts a large potential for knowledge transfer within the primary health care setting
Summary
Introduction and backgroundOral contraceptive pills (OCP) and antibiotics are both among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the United States and Europe, including Austria [1, 2]. Citizens should be aware of conflicting fields in order to be able to appraise potential risk for their own situation and to actively participate in decision-making. This is of high relevance in the field of family planning because of the social and psychological consequences of unintended pregnancies for the mother, father, and the child [10, 11]. The evidence regarding oral contraceptives and its effectiveness with concomitant ingestion of antibiotics is conflicting.
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