CIMC Formative Study: Focus Group Data from 102 Women in Three Countries

18 focus group discussions involving 102 women aged 18-49 were conducted between November 2024 and September 2025 to develop patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for contraceptive-induced menstrual changes. Amelia Mackenzie led this qualitative study across three international sites in the United States, Dominican Republic, and South Africa with funding from the Gates Foundation. The data captures specific terminology and experiences used by participants to describe menstrual alterations resulting from contraceptive use.

Use Cases

• Thematic analysis of contraceptive-induced menstrual change (CIMC) descriptions to refine clinical trial endpoints
• Cross-cultural comparison of menstrual health terminology between South African, Dominican, and American cohorts
• Development of patient-reported outcome (PRO) survey items based on participant-led vocabulary

Strengths

• Multi-country scope covering USA, Dominican Republic, and South Africa
• Targeted demographic of 102 women aged 18-49 experiencing CIMCs
• Standardized focus group methodology across 18 sessions

Limitations

• Qualitative nature limits statistical generalizability to broader populations
• Small sample size per geographic site (4-7 women per group)
• Potential recall bias inherent in self-reported menstrual history

Provenance

Source

Amelia Mackenzie, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Collection Method

Focus group discussions

Time Range

2024-11-21 to 2025-09-18

Freshness

Data collection concluded in September 2025 with the final record update in March 2026.

Geography

United States (Oregon), Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo), South Africa (Durban)