Searching for Information on the Risks of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives on the Internet: A Qualitative Study Across Six European Countries.

Paula Gomes Alves,Irene Petersen,Fiona Stevenson

doi:10.2196/10810

Abstract

BackgroundSearching for health information online is increasingly common and is an obvious source of information about oral combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) and their risks. However, little is known about how publicly available websites address the risks of CHCs, particularly venous thromboembolism (VTE).ObjectiveThe aim was to explore the information available to women about VTE and other risks of CHCs on websites available through commonly used search engines.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted to explore whether and how websites about CHCs in Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, and the United Kingdom make reference to VTE and other CHC risks. A systematic search procedure was adopted across the six countries, based on relevant keywords. The search was carried out using the Google search engine by fluent/native speakers of each language. A content analysis approach was conducted to extract information from the selected websites.ResultsA total of 357 websites were reviewed. Nearly all (343/357, 96.1%) the websites mentioned VTE as a risk of CHCs, with approximately half referring to other side effects as well. One-fifth (92/357, 25.8%) of the websites provided suggestions about the best contraceptive method to use, and only a minority (23/357, 6.4%) recommended women discuss CHCs with their health professionals. Sites were generally run by the media (110/357 30.8%) or medical services from nongovernmental organizations (140/357, 39.2%). Only a minority of websites referred to organizations such as the European Medicines Agency (11/357, 3.1%).ConclusionsDespite the large number of websites containing information about oral CHCs and their risks, particularly VTE, only a limited number referred to information from accredited health agency sources. We argue this is a missed opportunity for accredited health agencies to share high-quality information to assist women using CHCs to make informed decisions about contraception.

Highlights

Women using combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), which contain both estrogen and progesterone, may be three times more likely at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to female nonusers [1]
Engines; and (2) to explore the information provided about CHCs and their risks provided on these websites through a content analysis approach
This study was part of a larger project [11] exploring how women and health professionals communicate about the risks of using CHCs, the process by which women decide to use a CHC, and the information sources that prescribers and women rely on to support their decisions

Summary

Introduction

Women using combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), which contain both estrogen and progesterone, may be three times more likely at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to female nonusers [1]. Engines; and (2) to explore the information provided about CHCs and their risks provided on these websites through a content analysis approach. Objective: The aim was to explore the information available to women about VTE and other risks of CHCs on websites available through commonly used search engines. Conclusions: Despite the large number of websites containing information about oral CHCs and their risks, VTE, only a limited number referred to information from accredited health agency sources. We argue this is a missed opportunity for accredited health agencies to share high-quality information to assist women using CHCs to make informed decisions about contraception

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion