Long-acting reversible contraceptive use in urban women from a title X-supported Boston community health center
Ricciotti, H.A.; Dodge, L.E.; Ramirez, C.I.; Barnes, K.; Hacker, M.R.
Journal of Primary Care and Community Health 6(2): 111-115
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 2150-1327 PMID: 25301380 DOI: 10.1177/2150131914553800Document Number: 623659
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. 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. Retrospective cohort study of LARC method use among black, Hispanic, and white women receiving care at the Dimock Center from 2006 to 2010. 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. 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.