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  • Title: Non-Rx pills not health risks, study finds.
    Journal: Soc Mark Forum; 1984; 1(4):7. PubMed ID: 12266335.
    Abstract:
    Results of a preliminary study conducted in northern Mexico by Family Health International (FHI) show that non-prescription sales of oral contraceptives (OCs) apparently have a "positive" impact on the health of women in less developed countries. FHI found that OC users, on the whole, were healtheries in terms of some 40 indicators of reproductive health than never-users. This was the case even after controlling for age and parity. In addition, the results held regardless of the womens' education level, socioeconomic status, or source of OC supply. Health indicators investigated included the presence of hypertension, diabetes, angina, claudication, dyspnea, possible past infarction, gynecologic cancer, breast tumors, anemia, and toxemia in previous pegnancy. Data were also obtained about the womens' smoking habits, age, parity, and breast feeding status. FHI based its report on a survey of about 500 women, aged 15-50, living in Matamoros, Mexico. Survey results showed that 17% of the women questioned were OC users when interviewed and an additional 20% had used OCs at some time in the past. Further, 44% were using some form of contraception at the time of the interview, and 57% had used a contraceptive method in the past. 28 of the 40 health risk indicators occurred more frequently among women who had never used and OC, compared with current OC users. FHI's researchers maintain that the study supports the view that OCs can be safely used without a prescription.
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