Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Use in Urban Women From a Title X–Supported Boston Community Health Center

Abstract

Background: Unintended and adolescent pregnancy disproportionately affects minority populations, but the effect of age, race and ethnicity on the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) has not been well studied. Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to examine LARC use over a 5-year period among women receiving care at a Boston community health center. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of LARC method use among black, Hispanic, and white women receiving care at the Dimock Center from 2006 to 2010. Results: This study included 276 women (60.1% black, 18.5% Hispanic, and 9.1% white). LARC was not used as a first-line method in the majority (96.0%), regardless of age, race, and ethnicity; yet nearly half identified a long-acting contraceptive as their method of choice. Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study reveal opportunities to reduce unintended pregnancy through increased LARC use, which may be accomplished by provider and patient education.