Context
Educational interventions can help individuals increase their knowledge of available
contraceptive methods, enabling them to make informed decisions and use contraception
correctly. This review updates a previous review of contraceptive education.
Evidence acquisition
Multiple databases were searched for articles published March 2011–November 2016.
Primary outcomes were knowledge, participation in and satisfaction/comfort with decision
making, attitudes toward contraception, and selection of more effective methods. Secondary
outcomes included contraceptive behaviors and pregnancy. Excluded articles described
interventions that had no comparison group, could not be conducted feasibly in a clinic
setting, or were conducted outside the U.S. or similar country.
Evidence synthesis
A total of 24,953 articles were identified. Combined with the original review, 37
articles met inclusion criteria and described 31 studies implementing a range of educational
approaches (interactive tools, written materials, audio/videotapes, and text messages),
with and without healthcare provider feedback, for a total of 36 independent interventions.
Of the 31 interventions for which knowledge was assessed, 28 had a positive effect.
Fewer were assessed for their effect on attitudes toward contraception, selection
of more effective methods, contraceptive behaviors, or pregnancy—although increased
knowledge was found to mediate additional outcomes (positive attitudes toward contraception
and contraceptive continuation).
Conclusions
This systematic review is consistent with evidence from the broader healthcare field
in suggesting that a range of interventions can increase knowledge. Future studies
should assess what aspects are most effective, the benefits of including provider
feedback, and the extent to which educational interventions can facilitate behavior
change and attainment of reproductive health goals.
Theme information
This article is part of a theme issue entitled Updating the Systematic Reviews Used
to Develop the U.S. Recommendations for Providing Quality Family Planning Services,
which is sponsored by the Office of Population Affairs, U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services.
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