Knowledge and perception of risks of contraceptive and hormone therapy use: Implications for health education.

Authors

  • Karina Kathleen De Carvalho Silva Biomédica formada pela Faculdade de Minas – FAMINAS BH.
  • Kamila Nicole De Oliveira Rocha Biomédica formada pela Faculdade de Minas – FAMINAS BH.
  • Gustavo Alvarenga Rocha Médico Ginecologista e Obstetra e Ultrassonografista do Hospital Unimed Betim
  • GUSTAVO Professor orientador dos cursos de Biomedicina, Farmácia, Medicina da Faculdade de Minas – FAMINAS BH, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. Doutor pelo Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde do Adulto da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4909-3829

Keywords:

Hormonal contraception, Hormone replacement therapy, Women’s health, Risk perception

Abstract

Hormonal contraceptives are widely used by women of reproductive age, offering benefits such as menstrual cycle regulation and reduced risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer, but also carrying potential risks, including venous thromboembolism and breast cancer during current use. Assessing women’s knowledge and risk perception is essential for safe and informed choices. This cross-sectional, observational, quantitative study included 425 participants who completed an electronic questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, contraceptive methods, gynecological follow-up, and risk perception. Most were 18–29 years old (63%) and had complete or incomplete higher education (81%). The oral contraceptive pill was the most frequently used method (34%), followed by condoms (28%). Annual gynecological follow-up was reported by 42%, while 19% reported no regular consultations. Although 94.8% acknowledged risks related to hormonal use, their knowledge was mostly generic. These findings highlight the need for structured educational strategies and individualized clinical counseling that provide balanced information on risks and benefits, thereby supporting more informed reproductive decisions.

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Author Biography

GUSTAVO, Professor orientador dos cursos de Biomedicina, Farmácia, Medicina da Faculdade de Minas – FAMINAS BH, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. Doutor pelo Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde do Adulto da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

Biomédico, habilitado em Análises Clínicas, Docência e Auditoria. Possui experiência em instituições de ensino e saúde, de diferentes níveis e complexidade, atuando com atividades acadêmico-administrativas, gestão de equipe e foco em resultados e desenvolvimento de competências organizacionais conectado à diretriz estratégica da instituição. A vivência profissional aliada à formação acadêmica foi determinante para o desenvolvimento de competências relacionadas à coordenação de equipes, gestão por processos, pensamento da melhoria contínua e inovação, cultura para a qualidade, Ensino e Docência no Ensino Superior.

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Published

2026-05-28

How to Cite

Silva, K. K. D. C., Rocha, K. N. D. O., Rocha, G. A., & GUSTAVO. (2026). Knowledge and perception of risks of contraceptive and hormone therapy use: Implications for health education. REVISTA CIENTÍFICA DA FAMINAS, 21(2), e20261056. Retrieved from https://periodicos.faminas.edu.br/index.php/RCFaminas/article/view/1056