Interest in Continued Use After Participation in a Study of Over-the-Counter Progestin-Only Pills in the United States

• Published in: Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2022-11, Vol.3 (1), p.94-914
• Main Authors: Grindlay, Kate, Key, Katherine, Zuniga, Carmela, Wollum, Alexandra, Blanchard, Kelly, Grossman, Daniel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adolescent and pediatric gynecology; contraception; contraceptives; family planning; health policy; oral; Original; Original Article
• ISSN: 2688-4844; 2688-4844
• DOI: 10.1089/whr.2022.0056

Objective: To assess interest in continued use of over-the-counter progestin-only pills among individuals who used them in a trial. Methods: From January 2020 to September 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey with individuals who completed participation in a trial evaluating over-the-counter use of norgestrel 0.075 mg tablets in the United States. We calculated descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression models to assess likelihood of future over-the-counter progestin-only pill use, reasons for interest/noninterest, situations for over-the-counter progestin-only pill use, willingness to pay for an over-the-counter progestin-only pill, likelihood of future preventive health screenings, prior difficulties getting prescription contraception, and background characteristics. Results: Among 550 adult and 115 adolescent participants (75% response rate), 83% reported likelihood of future over-the-counter progestin-only pill use. Hispanic/Latinx and Black participants and adults with public insurance, prior pregnancies, and some college reported higher likelihood of future use compared with their counterparts. Among likely users, 90% were interested in long-term use and 79 % ≥ 25 years of age reported they would get future preventive screenings; participants would pay up to $20/month on average. Primary reasons for interest included convenience (81%), ease of access (80%), and saving time (77%) and money (64%). The primary reason for noninterest was bleeding associated with progestin-only pill use (52%). Conclusion: There was high interest in continuing to use over-the-counter progestin-only pills among individuals who had used them in a study. These findings highlight the real-world acceptability of taking a progestin-only pill without a prescription, and contribute to evidence supporting over-the-counter access.