Contraceptive discontinuation and repeat unintended pregnancy within 1 year after an abortion

BackgroundWe examined 12-month hormonal contraceptive continuation and pregnancy rates by abortion history.Study DesignWomen who wanted to avoid pregnancy for at least 1 year were recruited at four San Francisco Bay area family planning clinics on regular service days and on abortion care days. Participants completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. Multivariable Cox models assessed the factors associated with method discontinuation and pregnancy.ResultsWomen who were enrolled into the study on the day of their abortion were 20% more likely to discontinue their contraceptive method than women who never had an abortion [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)=1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03–1.42]. Women who had a recent abortion or previous abortion were 60% more likely to have a pregnancy during follow-up than women who never had an abortion (AHR=1.63, 95% CI =1.21-2.20, and AHR=1.66, 95% CI=1.18-2.33, respectively).ConclusionThe experience of having an unintended pregnancy and abortion does not lead to behavioral changes that protect against another unintended pregnancy.     

Postpartum unintended pregnancy and contraception practice among rural-to-urban migrant women in Shanghai

BackgroundRural-to-urban migrant women in Shanghai have poor reproductive health; the incidence of postpartum unintended pregnancy and contraceptive practices has not been adequately studied in this population.Study DesignThis retrospective study examined the incidence of postpartum unintended pregnancy and associated factors among migrant women and included a medical records reviews, telephone interviews and in-depth face-to-face interviews.ResultsThe incidence of unintended pregnancy during the first and second years postpartum was 12.8 and 12.9 per 100 women-years, respectively. Eighty-six percent resulted from nonuse of contraception, and 88% ended in induced abortions. Median times of sexual activity resumption and contraception initiation were 2 months and 7.5 months postpartum, respectively. Approximately 17% of women did not adopt effective contraceptive methods until undergoing induced abortion.ConclusionsConcentrated efforts, including contraception counseling prior to discharge and early postpartum visits, are required to increase early use of effective contraception among rural-to-urban migrant women in Shanghai and to reduce their high level of postpartum unintended pregnancy.     

Emergency contraception and prevention of induced abortion in India

OBJECTIVE: Induced abortion is associated with high morbidity and mortality in India. Use of regular contraception with emergency contraception (EC) as backup can reduce the incidence of induced abortion. The study aimed to assess women's knowledge, practice, preference and acceptance of different contraceptive methods with special reference to the causes of induced abortion, and their willingness to use hormonal EC. METHODS: The study comprised a structured questionnaire survey conducted in the family planning clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital in New Delhi, India. A total of 623 women and three men seeking contraceptive advice and/or termination of pregnancy were interviewed. The main outcome measures were knowledge of different contraceptive methods including EC and the reasons for unintended pregnancy. RESULTS: More than 99% of the respondents knew about most of the modern methods of contraception whereas only 37 (5.9%; 95% CI 4.0-7.8) of the respondents knew about EC and none of them had ever used it. Contraceptive method failure led to unintended pregnancy in 39.1% (95% CI 33.7-44.5) of abortion seekers. Correct use of EC could have prevented nearly 65.5% (95% CI 57.0-74.0) of induced abortions due to contraceptive method failure and 25.6% (95% CI 20.7-30.5) of all induced abortions. CONCLUSIONS: More efforts are required to generate awareness about the safety, efficacy and availability of EC, regular use of effective contraception and the health hazards of induced abortion.     

Not seeking yet trying long-acting reversible contraception: a 24-month randomized trial on continuation,unintended pregnancy and satisfaction

Objectives

To measure the 24-month impact on continuation, unintended pregnancy and satisfaction of trying long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in a population seeking short-acting reversible contraception (SARC).

Unintended pregnancy and its risk factors among university students in eastern China

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of unintended pregnancy, induced abortion and contraceptive use, and factors associated with unintended pregnancy among Chinese university students. STUDY DESIGN: A self-administered questionnaire survey with cross-sectional design was administered among students in two universities in Ningbo, China, in November-December 2003. Sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with unintended pregnancy were identified in both genders using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Of sexually active students, 10.6% of male and 11.6% of female students reported their partner or they had a history of pregnancy; 10.0% of male and 11.3% of female students reported their partner or they had a history of induced abortion. The risk factors for unintended pregnancy identified among males by multivariate analysis were older age [odds ratio (OR), 2.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-3.88], initiation of sexual activity before high school (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.36-4.44), reported lack of condom use in first sexual activity (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.10-2.64), multiple sexual partners (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.06-2.23), and often used condoms during their lifetime (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.01-3.81). The identified risk factors among females were initiation of sexual activity before high school (OR, 5.12; 95% CI, 1.49-17.68), non-consensual sexual intercourse as first sex (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.08-2.90), multiple partners (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.61-4.71), and sometimes/never (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.16-7.87) or often (OR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.43-10.73) used condoms during their lifetime. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of unintended pregnancies and induced abortions in this population indicates a need for better and targeted sex education and family planning services.     

Psychological distress and post-abortion contraceptive method effectiveness level chosen at an urban clinic

ObjectiveWe investigated whether more psychological distress before an abortion is associated with the effectiveness of contraception selected (low, moderate, or high effectiveness) at an abortion clinic visit.MethodUsing data from 253 women attending an urban abortion clinic that primarily serves low-income women, we tested the association between pre-abortion psychological distress and the effectiveness level of post-abortion contraceptive choice. Based on typical use failure rates, we classified effectiveness of contraceptive choice into three levels—low, moderate, and high effectiveness. We measured psychological distress with four validated measures of depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms, and negative affect, as well as with a global measure comprising these four measures. We used multivariable ordinal logistic regression to measure the association of each psychological distress measure with post-abortion contraceptive method effectiveness level, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, pregnancy history, trimester of abortion, and importance of avoiding pregnancy in the next year.ResultsWe found that compared to women experiencing less stress symptoms, negative affect and global psychological distress, women experiencing more stress symptoms [AOR=1.028, 95% CI: 1.001–1.050], negative affect [AOR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09] and global psychological distress [AOR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.09–1.95] were more likely to choose more effective versus less effective methods, p<.05, in adjusted models. Using dichotomous psychological measures we found similar results.ConclusionsWomen experiencing more psychological distress before an abortion selected more effective contraceptive methods after their abortion. Future research should examine whether this distress is associated with subsequent contraceptive use or continuation.ImplicationsThe current study suggests that contraceptive providers should not assume that women experiencing more psychological distress prefer to use less effective contraceptive methods.     

Trends in Contraceptive Use among Florida Women: Implications for Policies and Programs

Our study objective was to assess changes in effective contraceptive use among women at risk of unintended pregnancy in Florida in 2008 and 2009 compared with 2002 and 2004. Contraceptive use questions were available from Florida’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for both periods (n = 4,606). Log binomial regression was used with appropriate methods to account for complex sampling in the BRFSS. We examined the change in four effective contraceptive use groups: sterilization, long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC), short-acting reversible contraceptive (SARC), and barrier methods. Prevalence ratios comparing the two time periods were adjusted by demographic characteristics, employment, insurance status, children at home, poverty level, health behaviors, and health status. No evidence of change was found in sterilization (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio APR = 0.96; 95 % CI: 0.84–1.10) or SARC (APR = 1.01; 95 % CI: 0.87–1.18). The overall use of LARC increased and use of barrier methods decreased significantly over the two periods (APR = 1.68; 95 % CI: 1.09–2.60 and APR = 0.77; 95 % CI: 0.61–0.98, respectively). Only two population groups experienced significant changes in prevalence in the four use groups over this period. Non-Hispanic White women increased their use of LARC (APR = 2.89; 95 % CI: 1.58–5.29) and women who have never been married decreased their use of barrier methods (APR = 0.51; 95 % CI: 0.33–0.77). Contraceptive use in Florida continues to be low overall with some shift towards more effective long-term methods. New efforts are needed to promote and increase family planning practices, which include the use of effective contraceptives.     

Contraceptive Use Effectiveness and Pregnancy Prevention Information Preferences Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority College Women

Background

Previous research shows that sexual minority women have higher rates of unintended pregnancy than heterosexual women, but has not considered the wide range of contraceptive method effectiveness when exploring this disparity. We examine contraceptive use effectiveness and desire for pregnancy prevention information among college women across sexual orientation identity as a risk factor for unintended pregnancy.

Associations between Pregnancy Intention,Attitudes, and Contraceptive Use among Women Veterans in the ECUUN Study

Background

Although pregnancy intention is strongly associated with contraceptive use, little is known about the interaction between pregnancy intention and attitude, or how they jointly affect contraceptive use.

Perception of contraceptive counseling and contraceptive use among systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Objectives(1) To evaluate the perception of contraceptive counseling and knowledge regarding the impact of unintended pregnancy and (2) examine the prevalence of, and predictors for contraceptive use among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.Study designA cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Rheumatology Clinic of a university hospital. SLE patients who attended the clinic from April 2018 to January 2019 and at risk for unintended pregnancy and were invited to be interviewed. The structured interview guide consisted of three parts: personal and obstetric information, perception of contraceptive counseling and knowledge about the impact of unintended pregnancy, and contraceptive use.ResultsThe mean age of the 137 patients who gave informed consents was 34 ± 8 years, with 47 patients (34%) stating that they had received contraceptive counseling. Seventy-five patients (52%) reported practicing contraception. The intention to not become pregnant (Odds Ratio; 95% CI = 7.28; 1.75–30.27), perception of adequate contraceptive counseling (2.77; 1.06–7.20) and discussion with partners and physicians about contraception (3.95; 1.64–9.50) were predictors for contraceptive use (p < 0.05).ConclusionMost patients reported no contraceptive counseling with approximately half of the patients using contraceptive methods within the past three months. Desire to avoid pregnancy, perception of adequate contraceptive counseling, and the influence of partners and physicians were significant predictors for contraceptive use.ImplicationsContraceptive counseling should be routinely included in discussions about disease processes and treatment plans, including access issues. Best practices for contraceptive counseling and integrated, multi-disciplinary team services should be developed and provided in clinical settings.     

Financial Strain and Contraceptive Use Among Women in the United States: Differential Effects by Age

Introduction

Low-income and young women experience disproportionately high rates of unintended pregnancy. Traditional measures of socioeconomic status may not be appropriate indicators of financial status, particularly during emerging adulthood. This study investigates the relationship between financial strain and contraceptive use, focusing on the differential effects by age group.

Implanon as a contraceptive choice for teenage mothers: a comparison of contraceptive choices, acceptability and repeat pregnancy

Background

This study was conducted to compare the incidence of repeat teenage pregnancy over a 24-month period postpartum among users of Implanon, the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and barrier methods or nothing (barrier/none). Contraceptive continuation rates 24 months postpartum for Implanon and COCP/DMPA were also compared.

Study Design

A prospective cohort study was conducted. Comparison groups were postpartum teenagers (12-18 years old) who self-selected Implanon (n=73), COCP/DMPA (n=40) and barrier/none (n=24). Questionnaires were used to gather data at recruitment and postpartum at 6 weeks and then 3 monthly intervals for 2 years.

Results

At 24 months postpartum, 48 (35%) teenagers had conceived. Implanon users became pregnant later than other contraceptive groups (p=.022), with mean time to first repeat pregnancy of 23.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 22.2-25.5], compared to 18.1 months (95% CI, 15.1-20.7) for COCP/DMPA and 17.6 months (95% CI, 14.0-21.3) for barrier/none. Implanon users were more likely to continue their use at 24 months than COCP/DMPA (p<.001) users. The mean duration for Implanon users was 18.7 months (95% CI, 17.0-20.3) compared to 11.9 months (95% CI, 9.5-14.3) for COCP/DMPA.

Conclusion

Teenagers who choose Implanon are significantly less likely to become pregnant and were found to continue with this method of contraception 24 months postpartum compared to those who choose COCP or DMPA and barrier methods or nothing.     

Postpartum Care Utilization Among Women with Medicaid-Funded Live Births in Oregon

Introduction

Postpartum care is an important strategy for preventing and managing chronic disease in women with pregnancy complications (i.e., gestational diabetes (GDM) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP)).

Methods

Using a population-based, cohort study among Oregon women with Medicaid-financed deliveries (2009–2012), we examined Medicaid-financed postpartum care (postpartum visits, contraceptive services, and routine preventive health services) among women who retained Medicaid coverage for at least 90 days after delivery (n?=?74,933). We estimated postpartum care overall and among women with and without GDM and/or HDP using two different definitions: 1) excluding care provided on the day of delivery, and 2) including care on the day of delivery. Pearson chi-square tests were used to assess differential distributions in postpartum care by pregnancy complications (p?<?.05), and generalized estimating equations were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Of Oregon women who retained coverage through 90 days after delivery, 56.6–78.1% (based on the two definitions) received any postpartum care, including postpartum visits (26.5%-71.8%), contraceptive services (30.7–35.6%), or other routine preventive health services (38.5–39.1%). Excluding day of delivery services, the odds of receiving any postpartum care (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.47) or routine preventive services (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.14–1.53) were meaningfully higher among women with GDM and HDP (reference?=?neither).

Discussion

Medicaid-financed postpartum care in Oregon was underutilized, it varied by pregnancy complications, and needs improvement. Postpartum care is important for all women and especially those with GDM or HDP, who may require chronic disease risk assessment, management, and referrals.

     

Factors associated with contraceptive nonuse among US women ages 35-44 years at risk of unwanted pregnancy

Background

Women ages 35 years and older have the greatest proportion of contraceptive nonuse and unintended pregnancies ending in abortion.

Study Design

We conducted a population-based case-control study among women ages 35-44 years at risk of unwanted pregnancy using the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data to investigate risk factors for contraceptive nonuse.

Results

At last intercourse, 9.8% of women reported not using any contraceptive method. Contraceptive nonusers, as compared to users, were more likely to be ages 40-44 years (OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.7), foreign-born (OR=4.3, 95% CI 1.9-9.7), black (OR=2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.0), with household incomes 100-249% of the federal poverty level (FPL) (OR=2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.8). Women who received contraceptive counseling in the past year had an 80% decreased risk of nonuse (95% CI 0.1-0.5).

Conclusion

Public health strategies to reduce unintended pregnancy, particularly among women ages 35 years and older, should focus on addressing disparities in contraceptive use and promoting contraceptive counseling.     

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.