Misinformation on Social Media Hampers Contraceptive Use among Younger Women

Strategic Insights -

Researchers in Canada have highlighted the effects of misinformation on social media on the use of contraceptives among younger women. According to a study published in the BMJ, the introduction of universal coverage for contraceptives in British Columbia led to an initial increase in prescriptions, but also revealed steep declines in contraceptive use among women aged 20-29 before and after the policy was introduced. The researchers found that women in this age group were more susceptible to false information online, which led to a decrease in the use of effective contraceptive methods.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant immediate bump in prescriptions per month across all age groups after universal coverage for contraceptives was introduced in British Columbia.
  • However, among women aged 20-29, there were steep declines in contraceptive use both before and months after the policy was introduced.
  • The researchers attribute this drop to misinformation on social media, which is a growing concern among health professionals.
  • Obstetricians and gynecologists are worried about online influencers who discourage the use of hormonal contraceptives and promote ineffective methods such as tracking menstrual cycles on cellphones.
  • Lead author Laura Schummers emphasized the need for more information to understand this phenomenon in the Canadian context, but noted that the data offers a "first look" at how this issue could be occurring in Canada.
  • The study's findings suggest that universal coverage is essential to equip women with the tools they need to choose contraception that works for them.
  • Amanda Black, a past president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said that the study's findings demonstrate that cost is a barrier to accessing effective contraceptives, and that public coverage is necessary to ensure that contraception choices are driven by preference and evidence.

Statistics:

  • There was a 49-per-cent increase in long-acting reversible contraceptives dispensed monthly after the introduction of universal coverage in British Columbia.
  • The steep declines in contraceptive use among women aged 20-29 were consistent with reports in other settings, including Britain, attributed to false or inaccurate information on social media.
  • The researchers found that women in this age group were more inclined to use effective methods of contraception when they were publicly available.

Sources:

  • Schummers, L. et al. (2023). "The impact of misinformation on social media on contraceptive use among younger women." BMJ.
  • Black, A. (2023). Interview with Ottawa Citizen.