Use of long-acting contraceptive methods and main concerns among women in Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: to assess factors associated with the use of long-acting reversible methods (LARC) and women’s concerns about them. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted in a digital environment from April to June 2021, with the use of a structured instrument disseminated through social networks. The study included women of reproductive age (18 to 49 years old), who were not pregnant, not hysterectomized, not sterilized and whose partners were not vasectomized. Data were analyzed using logistic and multinomial regression. Results: the study population consisted of 1596 women aged 18 to 49 living in all regions of the country, 22% of whom were using LARC. Aspects associated with LARC use were younger age, having health insurance, being in a relationship and not wanting to get pregnant. Half of LARC users reported having some kind of concern about the method, the most frequent being the risk of becoming pregnant (36.2%). The aspects associated with having concerns about using LARC were the type of method, not being in a relationship and not wanting to get pregnant. Conclusions: LARC users are not a homogeneous group. Current experience of using LARC is lived with concerns, including some about its efficacy.

Keywords

• Sexual and reproductive health
• Long-term reversible contraception
• Intrauterine devices