BELIEFS ABOUT DEPO-PROVERA AMONG 3 GROUPS OF CONTRACEPTORS

This article examines the beliefs about Depo-Provera held by three gro ups of contraceptors utilizing urban family planning clinics in the Un ited States (n=836). Patients choosing Depo-Provera, oral contraceptiv es, and Norplant were asked about their beliefs regarding Depo-Provera in the following four domains: effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, convenience, side-effects, and risk to health; and also for their per ceptions regarding the physical discomfort and cost associated with th e method. Findings reveal that patients choosing the pill and Norplant give Depo-Provera significantly lower ratings for both convenience an d effectiveness than do Depo-Provera accepters. Given the documented e ffectiveness of Depo-Provera, this is a potential cause for concern. M oreover, Norplant and pill choosers are most likely to hold inaccurate beliefs regarding both the cost of Depo-Provera, and certain side-eff ects associated with its use. Although more than half of all patients believe that Depo-Provera would cause menstrual changes and weight gai n, it is noteworthy that the proportions are not higher, given their k nown association with the method. Knowledge about the likelihood of th ese side-effects is essential, particularly for those choosing Depo-Pr overa. Implications for physicians, counselors, and other family plann ing professionals are discussed.