User interest in a new non-hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive: what impact does mechanism of action have on past and future contraceptive decision-making?

BackgroundWe are in the process of developing a new non-hormonal long-acting reversible method of contraception (LARC) in recognition of the fact that a significant minority of users are unhappy with their current method. Our method has a novel (post-fertilisation) mechanism of action (MOA), but little is known about the value users place on this. MethodsUsing in-depth interviews, we explored 30 Australian end-users' experiences of contraception, recruited via social media. A thematic approach was taken to examine the influence the MOA has on choice and factors affecting willingness to try current methods and a novel non-hormonal LARC with a post-fertilisation effect. ResultsWe identified two themes that were the most salient across all interviews: that contraceptive decision-making involves a trade-off of priorities, influenced by contraceptive properties (including MOA) and the context in which contraception is used; and views on novel methods of contraception were influenced by willingness to trial new products and interest in non-hormonal options. Side effects, efficacy, and the financial burden of contraceptives were all considered more important than MOA during decision-making. Participants were willing to try a new method if endorsed by trusted sources, including friends and medical practitioners, and were enthusiastic to try a novel LARC with no hormones. ConclusionThis study found that the MOA had minimal impact on participants' choice of contraception. Rather, avoidance of hormones and side effects influenced willingness to try a novel method over any unacceptable aspects of a post-fertilisation MOA.

Automated summary

Through in-depth interviews with 30 Australian end-users, we found that contraceptive decision-making is primarily influenced by contraceptive properties and usage context. Side effects, efficacy, and financial burden are considered more important than the mechanism of action. Users are willing to try new methods, with a particular interest in non-hormonal long-acting reversible contraception.