Do Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Intrauterine Devices Predict Interest in Their Use?

Abstract

BackgroundIncreasing use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) is seen as a promising strategy to prevent unintended pregnancies, particularly among young women. In this study, we examined correlates of young women's interest in using an IUD, including sources of information about, knowledge of, and attitudes toward IUDs. MethodsWe conducted a national Web survey of young adults (ages 18–29) in 2012. Using a subset of data from 382 sexually experienced young women who had never used an IUD, we employed multinominal logit regression models to examine differences in IUD interest. FindingsTwenty percent of women in the sample were interested in using an IUD in the future, 32% were not, and 48% were unsure. Women who thought IUDs were unattractive owing to the devices being inside their bodies, the need for provider insertion and removal, or the potential for pain during insertion were less likely to be interested in ever using an IUD. Those who found IUDs attractive owing to the ease of use, the ability to have sex without interruption or a barrier method, the option of a nonhormonal method, the potential length of use, the internal nature of the method, or the high level of effectiveness were more likely to be interested. ConclusionsThese data suggest that young women's attitudes toward IUDs are strongly linked to their interest—or lack thereof—in using an IUD. Health care providers attuned to women's contraceptive preferences are well-poised to help their patients match with methods that best accommodate these preferences.