Randomized comparison of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning. Contraception 2013 Jul;88(1):24-30
Date
11/17/2012Pubmed ID
23153900DOI
10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.010Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84879124115 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 47 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare the efficacy and acceptability of two Internet-supported fertility-awareness-based methods of family planning.
STUDY DESIGN: Six hundred and sixty-seven women and their male partners were randomized into either an electronic hormonal fertility monitor (EHFM) group or a cervical mucus monitoring (CMM) group. Both groups utilized a Web site with instructions, charts and support. Acceptability was assessed online at 1, 3 and 6 months. Pregnancy rates were determined by survival analysis.
RESULTS: The EHFM participants (N=197) had a total pregnancy rate of 7 per 100 users over 12 months of use compared with 18.5 for the CMM group (N=164). The log rank survival test showed a significant difference (p<.01) in survival functions. Mean acceptability for both groups increased significantly over time (p<.0001). Continuation rates at 12 months were 40.6% for the monitor group and 36.6% for the mucus group.
CONCLUSION: In comparison with the CMM, the EHFM method of family planning was more effective. All users had an increase in acceptability over time. Results are tempered by the high dropout rate.
Author List
Fehring RJ, Schneider M, Raviele K, Rodriguez D, Pruszynski JMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAlgorithms
Cervix Mucus
Estrone
Family Characteristics
Female
Humans
Intention to Treat Analysis
Internet
Kaplan-Meier Estimate
Male
Middle Aged
Natural Family Planning Methods
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Patient Dropouts
Patient Education as Topic
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Rate
Self Care
Young Adult
