Experiences of Contraceptive Use and Contraceptive Counseling Among German Psychology Students: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: In recent years, hormonal contraceptive use has declined in Germany, yet little is known about the contraceptive needs and preferences of its population. This study addresses this gap by (1) identifying attitudes, subjective knowledge, and information needs of psychology students regarding contraceptive methods, (2) evaluating person-centeredness (PC) and shared decision-making (SDM) in contraceptive counseling, and (3) comparing users of hormonal and non-hormonal methods regarding attitudes, knowledge, and age. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study applying an online survey among psychology students in Germany, who were biologically capable of becoming pregnant. PC in counseling was assessed using the Person-Centered Contraceptive Counseling Scale (PCCC), while SDM was measured using the CollaboRATE questionnaire and Control Preference Scale. Attitudes, knowledge, and information needs were evaluated through adapted or self-developed items. We translated and adapted the PCCC using a team translation protocol (TRAPD). Results: Of 126 participants, 82.6% used at least one contraceptive method, mainly condoms (43.8%) and the combined pill (19.8%). Most participants were satisfied with their currently used method and do not want to change their current method. Hormonal users were younger (M=22.84) than non-hormonal users (M=25.40). Attitudes toward hormonal contraception were generally negative. Participants reported good or basic knowledge of 9 out of 15 methods; non-hormonal users knew more methods than hormonal users. Gynecologists (36.7%) were the most frequent information source. About 35.7% had received contraceptive counseling in the previous year but reported low satisfaction with the information provided. Overall, PC and SDM were only partially implemented in contraceptive counseling. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for more person-centered counseling to support informed decisions. The results can inform interventions aimed at improving contraceptive knowledge among users and enhancing PC and SDM practices among gynecologists. Plain Language Summary: In recent years, the use of hormonal contraception has declined in Germany. However, little is known about how well-informed people are about different contraceptive methods and what they actually want or need in this context. This study explored how psychology students in Germany think about contraception, how much they know, and how satisfied they are with medical counseling on this topic. It also compared users of hormonal and non-hormonal methods in terms of age, knowledge, and attitudes. A total of 126 students participated in an online survey. Most reported using condoms or the combined pill. Most participants were satisfied with the method they are using and did not want to change to another method. Those using hormonal methods were generally younger than users of non-hormonal options. Hormonal contraception was viewed critically overall. Many participants felt they had only limited knowledge about available methods, and users of non-hormonal contraception tended to know more options than those using hormonal methods. Gynecologists were the most common source of information, but only around a third of participants had received contraceptive counseling in the past year. Among those, satisfaction with the quality of information was low. The counseling often lacked a personalized approach and did not fully support shared decision-making between patients and doctors. There is a clear need for more person-centered and collaborative contraceptive counseling. The findings can help improve educational efforts for users and support healthcare professionals in offering more individualized, respectful, and informed guidance. Keywords: contraception, contraceptive counseling, person-centeredness, shared decision-making, knowledge, attitudes
Authors: Johanna Seiwert, Anja Lindig
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,320
OpenAlex ID: W7136841300