Participant views and experiences of sexual health research: The Contraception Choices online trial

Abstract

Background Online sexual health research can be convenient, efficient and low cost, but there are debates about the adequacy of online informed consent, privacy, and the acceptability of different methods of follow-up. Objectives To explore women's views and experiences of the Contraception Choices feasibility trial procedures and the place of digital interventions for contraception decision making. Methods We analysed data from two sources: (1) Qualitative interviews. Eighteen interviews were conducted with women who had taken part in the Contraception Choices pre-trial feasibility study, to evaluate recruitment and online trial procedures. (2) Free-text comments. Women in the main Contraception Choices randomised controlled trial were followed up at 3 and 6 months, and asked ‘Please tell us what you liked or disliked about the website’ and ‘Has being in the study had any good or bad effects on your life?’ A total of 387 and 414 comments were made at 3 and 6 months respectively. Data were analysed thematically. Results Participants liked being involved in a study about contraception, although recruitment from an abortion clinic was less acceptable than in other sexual health settings. Women found the trial procedures straightforward, and expressed no major concerns about online self-registration, informed consent or online data collection. Online survey questions about contraception and fertility were acceptable, and participants liked the convenience of being followed up by email or text. Conclusions Participants appreciated the advantages of the online research design and did not express concerns about consent or privacy. Women would welcome digital interventions for contraception in a variety of settings.

Beyond The Realms Of Pregnancy – How Conversations About Contraception Can Contribute To Improving The Health Of Sexual Minority Women

“…Online platforms are attractive to users because of their convenience, diversity of information, and anonymity (Wu & Zhang, 2022). While information about contraception is widely available online, the quality is variable and the content can be misleading (Bailey et al, 2021). Lindley et al (2012) reported that limited online sexual health resources are available to lesbians.…”

“…The website provides information and support to make informed choices about contraception. The site aims to address the advantages and disadvantages of twelve contraceptive methods and to take women's preferences into account (Bailey et al, 2021). Bailey et al (2021) reported that women who had used the Contraception Choices website found it engaging, convenient and helpful.…”

“…The site aims to address the advantages and disadvantages of twelve contraceptive methods and to take women's preferences into account (Bailey et al, 2021). Bailey et al (2021) reported that women who had used the Contraception Choices website found it engaging, convenient and helpful. Contraception Choices (n.d.) is applicable to everyone, regardless of sexual or gender identity, as it discusses the noncontraceptive benefits of contraception by asking questions regarding menstrual symptoms, acne, and hormones.…”

“…Contraception Choices (n.d.) is applicable to everyone, regardless of sexual or gender identity, as it discusses the noncontraceptive benefits of contraception by asking questions regarding menstrual symptoms, acne, and hormones. Interactive digital interventions (IDIs) for contraception choice are argued to be effective for sexual health and HIV knowledge and behaviour change (Bailey et al, 2021). Furthermore, IDIs can increase contraceptive knowledge, uptake of certain contraceptive methods, and contraception adherence (Bailey et al, 2021).…”

“…Interactive digital interventions (IDIs) for contraception choice are argued to be effective for sexual health and HIV knowledge and behaviour change (Bailey et al, 2021). Furthermore, IDIs can increase contraceptive knowledge, uptake of certain contraceptive methods, and contraception adherence (Bailey et al, 2021). While there are online resources, such as IDIs, that are found to be effective in increasing knowledge, the research argues that the internet should be used as a complementary source alongside healthcare professionals (Farnood et al, 2020).…”