The Impact of Personal Characteristics on Contraceptive Choices and Use Over 5 years

Abstract

Worldwide, there is an unintended pregnancy rate of 40%. That rate is higher in some areas, such as in the United States—where it is nearly 50%. These pregnancies have potentially negative outcomes for the mother and child that include health, economic, social, and psychological aspects. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are highly reliable methods for family planning. Identifying personal characteristics associated with choosing LARCs will better address the unintended pregnancy rates. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate characteristics of adolescents and women at high risk for unintended pregnancies by (a) describing the use of a LARC and selected personal characteristics for the years 2009 and 2014 and (b) exploring relationships among LARC choice and selected personal characteristics of clients seeking family planning services. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 268 randomly selected records, half of which were each from the years 2009 and 2014. One Midwestern U.S. family planning clinic was the site of the research. The characteristics used in the chart reviews were derived from the literature and Healthy People 2020 goals. Key differences between the years 2009 and 2014 included a significant increase in the number of LARCs prescribed to high-risk women. There was a significant relationship between the choice of a LARC and having used one in the past. Personal characteristics influencing LARC birth control choice included White, Hispanic females, those with a history of a teen pregnancy, those who experienced any previous pregnancy or live birth, and those below the poverty level. The findings indicate the importance of educating clients on LARC options. To foster initial use of a LARC, an application, based on the findings of this study, has been developed that provides individualized choices and education on contraceptive methods including LARCs.