Health-related quality of life in undergraduate women using any contraceptive

Abstract

Objective The aim of this research was to assess university students’ health-related quality of life whether they use some contraceptive method or not. Methods This research is a cross-sectional study. Female participants who studied a degree in health at the University of Seville (Spain) were recruited. Respondents completed a demographic questionnaire and health-related quality of life was measured with validated instrument SEC-QoL (Sociedad Española de Contracepción- Quality of Life) in Spanish that measured five dimensions: sexual, social, breast, menstrual and psychosocial. Results A total of 992 women aged 21.37 (3.6) years old participated in this study. Women who used a contraceptive method reached higher scores at the SEC-QoL questionnaire 47.09 (17.04) and 46.91 (18.73) than those that didn’t. Likewise, women who chose a hormonal method showed a better overall health-related quality of life, compared to those who used a non-hormonal method. Participants who used hormonal contraceptives obtained higher scores in all health-related quality of life domains (social, menstrual, breast and sexual), except psychological domain when compared to those who used a non hormonal method or none. Furthermore, a moderated mediation model showed that the effect of the current contraceptive method on health-related quality of life was partially explained by the moderated mediation of the time using this method, the reason for using it and the existence of a partner. Conclusion The usage of hormonal contraceptives increases health-related quality of life in young women. Several variables regarding the experience with contraceptive methods should be considered in order to examine the effect on health-related quality of life in undergraduate women.

Experiences and impacts of side effects among contraceptive users in the UK: exploring individual narratives of contraceptive side effects

“…Conversely, contraception has also been linked to improving women's quality of life in several domains [15,19,20], and our findings support research showing that positive side effects of contraception include improved sexual satisfaction through reduced anxiety and reduced bleeding [21]. This highlights the importance of finding the right method of contraception that suits the needs of the individual in the context of their wider lives and goals.…”

Use of estrogen supplementation is associated with higher quality of life scores in women with cystic fibrosis

“…In an industry-sponsored study of premenopausal women initiating a specific OCP containing 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol and progesterone, participants had improved mental component summary scales of the SF-12, another general health-related quality of life instrument, after two months of using this OCP compared to their baseline scores before initiating this OCP, in addition to reduction of premenstrual symptoms [23] . A cross-sectional study of university students in Spain using the SEC-QOL, a Spanish contraception-specific quality of life instrument, found that women using contraception had higher SEC-QOL scores and that women using hormonal contraception had higher SEC-QOL scores than women using non-hormonal contraception [24] .…”

The use and impact of contraceptives in women: a critical review

“…58 This was same as reported by Leorns. 57 According to Zethraeus et al oral contraceptives had no negative effect on overall sexual function. 59 Leorn also reported in his study that women who used contraception methods had lower menstrual scores and higher sexual health-related QoL.…”

“…This is opposed to many studies that reported an improvement after the use of pills. 57 Zhao in his studies among rural Chinese women, reported a significant improvement in QOL from combined oral contraceptive (COC) use mostly due to the hormonal non contraceptive benefits. 58 Impact of OC on the sexual domain of QoL have not been consistent among various reports.…”