and methodology Many women use a variety of contraceptive methods during their reproductive lives. Investigating this exposure is one of the most frequently performed epidemiological investigations. Accurate recall of methods used, as well as validating this information, can be difficult. A pilot study compared recalled contraceptive use over 5 years with that documented in the case notes of 30 women. Results 47% of episodes of method use were accurately recalled to the month of starting method

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... use; this figure rose to 94% when episodes with disagreement within ±12 months were also considered. Similarly, 44% and 91% of episodes were accurately recalled to the month and within ±12 months of stopping method use, respectively. Accuracy of recall for duration of use followed a similar pattern. 7% of users were unable to distinguish between 173 ©FSRH