Treatment satisfaction with a transdermal contraceptive patch or oral contraceptives.

OBJECTIVE

The study was conducted to examine the influence of demographics, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and duration of use on satisfaction with the transdermal contraceptive patch or oral contraceptives (OCs).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional analysis of the 2004 National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS), women were currently using the patch (n=257) or OCs (n=1824). Outcome variable was a five-point satisfaction scale (1=not at all; 5=extremely). Satisfaction rates were computed as the percentage of patients reporting a 4 or 5. Independent variables included demographics, HRQL (SF-8), duration of use, and treatment (patch or OCs). Logistic regression evaluated association of independent variables.

RESULTS

Patch use was associated with significantly higher satisfaction than OCs (OR=2.05; 95% CI=1.34-3.15; p=.001) in the logistic regression model. Months using product (p<.001), days used product in past month (p<.001) and mental well-being (p=.02) were other variables associated with satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Patch use, duration of use and mental well-being were associated with satisfaction.