Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Uptake before and after the Affordable Care Act Contraceptive Mandate in Women Undergoing First Trimester Surgical Abortion

Objective

To compare long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) uptake before and after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) contraceptive mandate among women undergoing a first trimester surgical abortion.

Contraceptive Method Uptake at Title X Health Centers in Utah

BackgroundThe Title X family planning program previously supported contraception for Utah clients with low incomes, yet its contributions may not have been sufficient to allow clients to select their preferred methods, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). In this study, we compare the contraceptive method choices of self-paying clients with low incomes at three participating Title X health centers in Salt Lake County, Utah, before and after the removal of additional cost barriers.MethodsWe used retrospective medical record review to assess clients’ contraceptive choices during two 6-month periods: a control period with Title X-assisted sliding scale payment schedules (n = 2,776) and an intervention period offering no-cost contraceptive care (n = 2,065). We used logistic regression to identify the likelihood of selecting a LARC during the intervention period and multinomial regression to identify the selection probability of different types of available LARCs.ResultsDuring the control period, 16% of participants chose a LARC compared with 26% in the intervention period (p ≤ .001). During the intervention period, participants were 1.8 times more likely to select LARCs (95% confidence interval, 1.65–2.13) compared with non-LARC methods, holding covariates constant. In the multinomial regression, participants were three times more likely during the intervention period to select an implant than a pill, patch, or ring, holding all other covariates constant (odds ratio, 3.08; 95% confidence interval, 2.47–3.83).ConclusionsTitle X clients offered contraceptive methods without cost more frequently selected a LARC method. Title X funding reductions may impede individuals’ access to their contraceptive methods of choice.     

Cost Sharing and Utilization of Postpartum Intrauterine Devices and Contraceptive Implants Among Commercially Insured Women

BackgroundCost sharing may impede postpartum contraceptive use. We evaluated the association between out-of-pocket costs and long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) insertion among commercially insured postpartum women.MethodsUsing the Clinformatics Data Mart, we examined out-of-pocket costs for LARC insertions at 0 to 3 and 4–60 days postpartum among women in employer-sponsored health plans from 2013 to 2016. Patient costs were estimated by summing copayment, coinsurance, and deductible payments for LARC services (device + placement). Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association between plan cost sharing for LARC services (at least one beneficiary with >$200 cost share) and LARC insertion by 60 days postpartum (yes/no).ResultsWe identified 396,073 deliveries among women in 51,797 employer-based plans. Overall, LARC placement by 60 days postpartum was observed after 5.2% (n = 20,604) of deliveries. Inpatient LARC insertion (n = 233; 0.06% of deliveries) was less common than outpatient LARC insertion (n = 20,375; 5.14% of deliveries). Cost sharing was observed in 23.4% of LARC insertions (inpatient IUD: median, $50.00; range, $0.93–5,055.91; inpatient implant: median, $11.91; range, $2.49–650.14; outpatient IUD: median, $25.00; range, $0.01–3,354.80; outpatient implant: median, $27.20; range, $0.18–2,444.01). Among 5,895 plans with at least one LARC insertion and after adjusting for patient age, poverty status, race/ethnicity, region, and plan type, women in plans with cost sharing of more than $200 demonstrated lower odds of LARC use by 60 days postpartum (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.77).ConclusionsCost sharing for postpartum LARC is associated with use, suggesting that out-of-pocket costs may impede LARC access for some commercially insured postpartum women. Reducing out-of-pocket costs for the most effective forms of contraception may increase use.     

A Novel Approach to Postpartum Contraception Provision Combined with Infant Care: A Randomized,Controlled Trial

BackgroundUnintended pregnancy among women with short interpregnancy intervals remains common. Women's attendance at the 4- to 6-week postpartum visit, when contraception provision often occurs, is low, whereas their attendance at well-baby visits is high. We aimed to evaluate if offering co-located contraceptive services to mothers at well-baby visits increases use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) at 5 months postpartum compared with usual care in a randomized, controlled trial.MethodsWomen with infants aged 4.5 months or younger who were not using a LARC method and had not undergone sterilization were eligible. Generalized linear models were used to estimate risk ratios. Likability and satisfaction of the contraception visit were assessed.ResultsBetween January 2015 and January 2017, 446 women were randomized. LARC use at 5 months was 19.1% and 20.9% for the intervention and control groups, respectively, and was not significantly different after controlling for weeks postpartum (risk ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.59–1.23). Uptake of the co-located visit was low (17.7%), but the concept was liked; insufficient time to stay for the visit was the biggest barrier to uptake. Women who accepted the visit were more likely to use a LARC method at 5 months compared with women in the control group (risk ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–3.07).ConclusionsWomen perceived co-located care favorably and LARC use was higher among those who completed a visit; however, uptake was low for reasons including inability to stay after the infant visit. Intervention effects were possibly diluted. Future research should test a version of this intervention designed to overcome barriers that participants reported.     

Is Depression Associated with Contraceptive Motivations,Intentions, and Use Among a Sample of Low-Income Latinas?

BackgroundLatinas in the United States experience high rates of unintended pregnancy and low rates of contraception use, yet reasons are not completely understood. Depression is common among pregnant and nonpregnant Latinas; its influence on contraceptive motivations, intentions, and use is understudied.ObjectivesWe sought to 1) describe Latinas' contraceptive motivations, intentions, and use; 2) use structural equation modeling to test associations between depression and contraceptive self-efficacy/motivations/intentions/use; and 3) determine whether associations differ by pregnancy status.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included Latinas ages 15 to 45 recruited from an urban Federally Qualified Health Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Structured surveys were used to collect data regarding depressive symptoms measured using the PHQ-9. All other constructs were measured with previously validated questions. Constructs included contraceptive self-efficacy, positive and negative contraceptive motivations (perceived advantages and disadvantages of using contraception), contraceptive intentions to begin or continue contraception use, and contraceptive methods currently used.ResultsAmong pregnant Latinas, depression was associated with negative motivations (β = 0.16; p < .05), negative motivations were associated with intentions (β = ?0.22; p < .01), and contraceptive self-efficacy was associated with intentions (β = 0.43; p < .001). Among nonpregnant Latinas, contraceptive self-efficacy was associated with intentions (β = 0.78; p < .001) and intentions were associated with use (β = 0.40; p < .05).ConclusionsAmong pregnant Latinas, negative motivations intervene in the association between depression and contraceptive intentions. For nonpregnant Latinas, intentions intervene in the association between self-efficacy and contraceptive use. This study underscores the importance of depression screening during pregnancy and encourages practitioners to target contraceptive motivations to improve contraceptive use.     

Postpartum Contraception Use by Urban/Rural Status: An Analysis of the Michigan Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Data

ObjectiveWe sought to examine rural/urban differences in postpartum contraceptive use, which are underexplored in the literature.MethodsWe analyzed phase 5 (2004–2008) of the Michigan Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey. Using Rural–Urban Commuting Area codes and weighted multinomial logistic regression, we examined the association between self-reported postpartum contraceptive method and rural/urban residence among postpartum women not desiring pregnancy (n = 6,468).ResultsPostpartum (mean, 16.5 weeks after delivery), 14.4% of respondents were using sterilization, 6.7% long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), 37.3% moderately effective hormonal methods, 38.4% less effective methods or no method, and 3.2% abstinence. Multivariable analysis yielded sporadic geographic patterns. Odds of method use varied significantly by age, parity, body mass index, and breastfeeding status. Not discussing contraception with a prenatal healthcare provider decreased odds of postpartum LARC use (odds ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.36–0.75). Number of prenatal visits and weeks since delivery were not associated with postpartum contraception method.ConclusionsWe did not observe strong variation in postpartum contraceptive use based on geography. Low uptake of highly effective contraception across rural and urban areas suggests a need for education and outreach regarding these methods.     

Contraception After Surgical Abortion in Patients With Opioid Use Disorder

ObjectivesThis study describes the prevalence of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among surgical abortion patients, evaluates long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) uptake after surgical abortion among patients on MOUD, and identifies predictors of immediate postabortion LARC uptake among individuals on MOUD.MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of data from a retrospective observational cohort study of LARC uptake immediately after surgical abortion up to 21^0/7 weeks gestation at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts between October 2012 and April 2017. We estimated proportions and analyzed predictors of LARC uptake among women on MOUD using logistic regression analysis to control for possible confounders.ResultsDuring the study period, 26,858 patients had an abortion procedure; 768 (2.9%; 95% confidence interval, 2.7%–3.1%) used MOUD. In the primary study, controlling for demographic factors, MOUD was not an independent predictor of LARC uptake. In this analysis, patients on MOUD differed demographically from non-MOUD users and were significantly more likely to initiate a LARC method immediately after their procedure: 30.1% versus 25.3% (p = .002), including 22.7% who obtained an intrauterine device and 7.4% who obtained an implant. Among patients on MOUD, a prior live birth and public insurance predicted LARC uptake at the time of abortion.ConclusionWomen on MOUD had higher postabortion LARC uptake compared with those not on MOUD in a setting with easy access to postabortion LARC. Public insurance coverage for abortion was associated with LARC uptake among women on MOUD.     

Contraceptive Use Patterns among Women of Reproductive Age in Two Southeastern States

BackgroundUnintended pregnancies remain an important public health issue. Modern contraception is an important clinical service for reducing unintended pregnancy. This study examines contraception use among a representative sample of women residing in two southeastern U.S. states.MethodsA cross-sectional statewide survey assessing women's contraceptive use and reproductive health experiences was conducted in Alabama and South Carolina. Characteristics of the study population were compared across contraceptive use categories and multivariable regression analysis was performed examining relationships between covariates of interest and contraceptive use outcomes.ResultsApproximately 3,775 women were included in the study population. Overall, 26.5% of women reported not using any contraception. Short-acting hormonal methods were the most commonly reported (26.3%), followed by permanent methods (24.4%), long-acting reversible contraception (LARC; 14.3%), and barrier/other methods (8.5%). Nonuse was more prevalent among women with some college or an associate's degree, incomes between $25,000 and $50,000, no health insurance, and longer gaps in care. LARC use among women with Medicaid as a pay source was higher than use among privately insured women and higher in South Carolina than Alabama. Both nonuse and LARC use were higher among women with no insurance.ConclusionsStudy findings are largely consistent with previous research using similar population-based surveys. LARC use was higher among the study population relative to what is observed nationally. Factors enabling access to contraceptive services, particularly for lower income women, were associated with contraception use patterns. These findings provide important context for understanding individuals’ access to resources and are important for fostering increased access to contraceptive services among women in these two states.     

Provision of Immediate Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives Before and After Wisconsin Medicaid's Payment Change

ObjectivesWe aimed to estimate the association between Medicaid unbundling of payment for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) from the global delivery fee and immediate postpartum (IPP) LARC provision, in a state outside a select group of early-adopters. We also examine the potential moderating roles of hospital academic affiliation and Catholic status on the association between unbundling and IPP LARC provision.MethodsWe used a pre–post design to examine the association between unbundling and IPP LARC provision. We observed Medicaid-covered childbirth deliveries in Wisconsin hospitals between January 2016 and December 2017 (n = 45,200) in the State Inpatient Database from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We conducted multivariate regressions using generalized linear mixed models.ResultsFrom 2016 to 2017, IPP LARC provision increased from 0.28% to 0.44% of deliveries (p = .003). In our adjusted model, IPP LARC provision was 1.55 times more likely in the post–period versus the pre-period (95% confidence interval, 1.12–2.13). Both before and after unbundling, IPP LARC provision was significantly more common in academic versus nonacademic settings and was exceedingly rare in Catholic institutions.ConclusionsIn contrast with many early adopting states, in this later adopting state, Wisconsin Medicaid's unbundling of LARC from the global fee did not meaningfully change the rates of IPP LARC provision. These results indicate that delivery hospital characteristics are strong correlates of access to IPP LARC and suggest the need for interventions—perhaps outside of the inpatient setting—to ensure that patients can access desired contraceptive methods promptly postpartum.     

Concordance of Desired and Administered Postpartum Contraceptives among Emergency and Full Scope Medicaid Patients

ObjectiveTo determine if concordance of contraceptive preference and uptake differ between postpartum recipients of emergency versus full scope Medicaid.Study DesignWe performed a historical cohort study of patients who delivered at a safety-net hospital in Denver, Colorado in 2016. In our public system, all patients had access to immediate postpartum tubal ligation and all forms of reversible contraception in outpatient clinics. We used data from electronic health records to compare contraceptive preferences and uptake between patients with full scope and emergency Medicaid at hospital discharge and by 12 weeks postpartum. We then compared contraceptive concordance (use of the same method as desired during delivery admission) between the groups at time of postpartum discharge and by 12 weeks postpartum.ResultsWe examined 693 women; 349 (50.1%) had emergency Medicaid and 344 (49.9%) had full scope Medicaid. The mean age at delivery was 27.9 years, and most patients were Hispanic (74%). Women with emergency Medicaid were less likely to receive their desired method of postpartum contraception before hospital discharge (53.6% vs. 66.9%; p < .01). One-half of the patients with emergency Medicaid who did not receive their desired method of immediate postpartum contraception were unable to obtain it based on insurance ineligibility. By 12 weeks postpartum, the rates of concordance did not differ by insurance status: 52.4% of patients with emergency Medicaid and 55.2% of patients with full scope Medicaid received their desired method of contraception (p = .46).ConclusionsEmergency Medicaid recipients, largely recent and/or unauthorized immigrants, have high demand for highly effective postpartum contraceptives. Although emergency Medicaid recipients initially had lower rates of receipt of their desired contraceptive during the hospital stay compared with those with full scope Medicaid, they ultimately had similar concordance rates by 12 weeks postpartum. We suspect this finding was in part due to free access to all methods of contraception in our outpatient clinics during the postpartum course. Systemic barriers should be reduced to ensure better access to postpartum contraceptives for all patients, regardless of insurance coverage, to improve reproductive equity.     

Prevalence and Predictors of Prenatal and Postpartum Contraceptive Counseling in Two Texas Cities

ObjectivesWe investigated the prevalence of and sociodemographic associations with receiving prenatal and postpartum contraceptive counseling, including counseling on intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.MethodsWe used data from a prospective cohort study of 803 postpartum women in El Paso and Austin, Texas. We examined the prevalence of prenatal and postpartum counseling, provider discouragement of IUDs and implants, and associated sociodemographic characteristics using χ² tests and logistic regression.ResultsOne-half of participants had received any prenatal contraceptive counseling, and 13% and 37% received counseling on both IUDs and implants prenatally and postpartum, respectively. Women with more children were more likely to receive any contraceptive counseling prenatally (odds ratio [OR], 1.99; p < .01). Privately insured women (OR, 0.53; p < .05) had a lower odds of receiving prenatal counseling on IUDs and implants than publicly insured women. Higher education (OR, 2.16; p < .05) and attending a private practice (OR, 2.16; p < .05) were associated with receiving any postpartum counseling. Older age (OR, 0.61; p < .05) was negatively associated with receiving postpartum counseling about IUDs and implants and a family income of $10,000 to $19,000 (OR, 2.21; p < .01) was positively associated. Approximately 20% of women receiving prenatal counseling and 10% receiving postpartum counseling on IUDs and implants were discouraged from using them. The most common reason providers restricted use of these methods was inaccurate medical advice.ConclusionsPrenatal and postpartum counseling, particularly about IUDs and implants, was infrequent and varied by sociodemographics. Providers should implement evidence-based prenatal and postpartum contraceptive counseling to ensure women can make informed choices and access their preferred method of postpartum contraception.     

Experiences with Prenatal and Postpartum Contraceptive Services among Women with a Preterm Birth

BackgroundProviding postpartum contraception can help to achieve recommended interpregnancy intervals (≥18 months from birth to next pregnancy), decrease the risk of preterm birth, and thus improve maternal and infant health outcomes of future pregnancies. However, the experiences of women with preterm birth regarding contraceptive services have not been documented. We sought to better understand contraceptive counseling experiences and postpartum contraception of women with a preterm birth.MethodsWe interviewed 35 women, ages 18–42 years, with a recent preterm birth in California. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using ATLAS.ti v.8.ResultsWomen had public (n = 15), private (n = 16), or no insurance (n = 4) at the time of the interview. Women were mainly Latina (n = 14), Caucasian (n = 9), or African American (n = 6); 15 women were foreign born. Women's experiences ranged from spontaneous preterm births to births with severe medical complications. We identified five themes that were associated with women's engagement in the contraceptive method choice and understanding of birth spacing: 1) timing and frequency of contraceptive counseling; 2) quality of patient–provider interaction and ability to follow up on questions; 3) women's personal experiences with contraceptive use and experiences of other women; 4) context in which contraceptive counseling was framed; and 5) system barriers to contraceptive use.ConclusionsPostpartum contraceptive counseling should address women's preterm birth experience, medical conditions, age, contraceptive preference, and childbearing plans. Having a preterm birth intensifies gaps in hospital and outpatient clinic coordination and provider–patient communication that can lead to use of less effective or no contraceptive methods and risk of early subsequent unplanned pregnancies.     

Intimate Partner Violence around the Time of Pregnancy and Postpartum Contraceptive Use

ObjectivesWe sought to examine postpartum contraceptive use among women who reported physical intimate partner violence (IPV) during or within 12 months before pregnancy compared with women who did not report physical IPV and to identify factors associated with nonuse of contraception among women who reported physical IPV.MethodsData were obtained from women with a recent live birth from 2012 to 2015 who participated in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System. We described characteristics of women and postpartum contraceptive use by method effectiveness (most effective [female sterilization, male sterilization, intrauterine device, implant], moderately effective [injectable, pill, patch, ring], less effective [condoms, natural family planning, withdrawal, other]) or no method, stratified by reported physical IPV. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine characteristics associated with nonuse of contraception among women who reported physical IPV.ResultsThe proportion of women using most or moderately effective contraception was similar for women reporting and not reporting physical IPV. Less effective contraceptive use was lower among women who reported physical IPV (13.9%) than those who did not report physical IPV (25.1%) (p < .001). Nonuse was higher among women who reported physical IPV (33%) than those who did not report physical IPV (21%) (p < .001). Having no health insurance at the time of survey and experiencing traumatic stress within 12 months before delivery were associated with nonuse of contraception among women who reported physical IPV.ConclusionsThe higher proportion of contraception nonuse among women who reported physical IPV indicates a potential unmet need for contraception among this vulnerable population. Recommended screening for IPV and counseling about the full range of contraceptive methods should begin during pregnancy and continue through the postpartum period.     

Postpartum Medicaid Coverage and Contraceptive Use Before and After Ohio's Medicaid Expansion Under the Affordable Care Act

BackgroundEnsuring that women with Medicaid-covered births retain coverage beyond 60 days postpartum can help women to receive care that will improve their health outcomes. Little is known about the extent to which the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion has allowed for longer postpartum coverage as more women entering Medicaid under a pregnancy eligibility category could now become income eligible. This study investigates whether Ohio's Medicaid expansion increased continuous enrollment and use of covered services postpartum, including postpartum visit attendance, receipt of contraceptive counseling, and use of contraceptive methods.MethodsWe used Ohio's linked Medicaid claims and vital records data to derive a study cohort whose prepregnancy and 6-month postpartum period occurred fully in either before (January 2011 to June 2013) or after (November 2014 to December 2015) the ACA Medicaid expansion implementation period (N = 170,787 after exclusions). We categorized women in this cohort according to whether they were pregnancy eligible (the treatment group) or income eligible (the comparison group) as they entered Medicaid and used multivariate logistic regression to test for differences in the association of the ACA expansion with their postpartum enrollment in Medicaid and use of services.ResultsWomen who entered Ohio Medicaid in the pregnancy eligible category had a 7.7 percentage point increase in the probability of remaining continuously enrolled 6 months postpartum relative to those entering as income eligible. Income eligible women had approximately a 5.0 percentage point increased likelihood of both a postpartum visit and use of long-acting reversible contraceptives. Pregnancy-eligible women had a significant but smaller (approximately 2 percentage point) increase in the likelihood of long-acting reversible contraceptive use.ConclusionsOhio's ACA Medicaid expansion was associated with a significant increase in the probability of women's continuous enrollment in Medicaid and use of long-acting reversible contraceptives through 6 months postpartum. Together, these changes translate into decreased risks of unintended pregnancy and short interpregnancy intervals.