Initiation Of Contraception Research Articles

Levels, trends and correlates of unmet need for family planning among postpartum women in Indonesia: 2007\u20132015

BackgroundAlthough Indonesia has relatively high contraceptive prevalence, postpartum family planning (PP-FP) has not been a particular point of emphasis. This article reports the results of analyses undertaken in order to (1) better understand levels and trends in unmet need for family planning among postpartum women, (2) assess the extent to which unmet need is concentrated among particular population sub-groups, and (3) assess the policy priority that PP-FP should have in relation to other interventions.MethodsThe analyses were based on data from the 2007 and 2012 Indonesia Demographic and Health Surveys (IDHS) and the 2015 PMA2020 survey. Postpartum contraceptive use and unmet need were analyzed for fecund women who had given birth in the 3–5 years of preceding the respective surveys who were in the extended postpartum period at the time of the respective surveys. Factors associated with contraceptive use and unmet were assessed via multivariable logistic regressions using merged data from all three surveys. A wide range of biologic, demographic, socio-economic, geographic and programmatic factors were considered.ResultsContraceptive use during the extended postpartum period is high in Indonesia, with more than 74% of post-partum women reporting currently using a family planning method in the 2015 PMA2020 survey. This is up from 68% in 2007 and 70% in 2012. Total unmet need was 28% in 2007, falling slightly to 23% in 2012 and 24% in 2015. However, the timing of contraceptive initiation is less than optimal. By six months postpartum, only 50% of mothers had begun contraceptive use. Unmet need was highest among older women, women with 4+ children, with limited knowledge of contraceptive methods, making fewer ANC visits, from poor families and residents of islands other than Java and Bali.ConclusionUnmet need for family planning among postpartum women in Indonesia is low in comparison with other low- and middle-income countries. However, because of limited durations of exclusive breastfeeding, many Indonesian women do not initiate contraception early enough after delivering children. Given already high contraceptive prevalence, targeting postpartum women for increased programmatic attention would seem strategically prudent.

A Retrospective Chart Review of Contraceptive Use among Adolescents with Opioid Use Disorder.

To describe contraceptive use among female adolescents initiating outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder. Retrospective chart review. Outpatient clinic providing medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders to adolescents and young adults. Nonpregnant female adolescents who presented for treatment from January 1, 2013 to January 31, 2016 (N=123). None. Prescription contraceptive use at baseline and initiation of a new method within 90days. Of 123 female adolescents who presented for treatment of opioid use disorder, 113 (91.9%) reported sexual activity and 80 (65.0%) were not using prescription contraception at intake. Previous pregnancy was reported by 43 (35.0%) and 20 (16.3%) were positive for a sexually transmitted infection. Contraceptive counseling was not documented for 73 (59.3%) patients. Among patients with no prescription contraception at baseline, 56 of 80 (70.0%) initiated a method within the study window. Significant predictors (odds ratio [OR]; 95% confidence interval) of contraceptive initiation included previous pregnancy (8.6; 1.39-52.99), education of less than a high school diploma/general equivalency diploma (7.4; 1.63-33.41), and return for follow-up visit (9.8; 2.18-43.69). Young women who presented for opioid use disorder treatment were at high risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes. Most were sexually active and not using prescription contraception. Findings underscore the need for contraceptive counseling in this patient population. Optimally, these services would be provided in conjunction with substance use treatment. Improved contraceptive counseling documentation will allow evaluation of effective contraceptive counseling strategies for adolescents with opioid use disorders and might serve to inform future interventions.

Operation PINC: Process Improvement for Non-Delayed Contraception.

The Department of Defense is under intense scrutiny for the reported increased unintended pregnancy rate in active duty women. To minimize barriers to contraception and improve access to care for family planning needs, a novel full-service walk-in clinic for contraception was created. The objective of this study is to describe utilization of a walk-in contraceptive clinic including patient demographics, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) initiation rates, projected cost savings, and patient satisfaction within the first 6 months of operation. This is a prospective cohort and quality improvement study of 2,207 women presenting to a same day full-service contraception clinic from February 1, 2016, to August 31, 2016. Patient volume, demographics of participants, type of contraceptive service provided, LARC initiation, and LARC removal rates were recorded prospectively. Outcomes were compared with the Student t-test or χ2 test as appropriate. The mean age of participants seen in the first 6 months was 25 years; 70% of attendees were active duty women and 88% were enlisted service members. LARC initiation increased from 12% to 39%. Operation PINC is a cost savings initiative, saving the Navy a potential $15 million a year and 2.7 million lost person-hours by preventing unintended pregnancy. Offering same day contraceptive services is a potential cost savings, patient satisfier, which targets women at risk for unintended pregnancy, improves LARC initiation, and has the potential to improve operational readiness of female service members and ultimately decrease unintended pregnancy rates.

Texting to Increase Contraceptive Initiation Among Adolescents in the Emergency Department

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging intervention to increase contraception among adolescent emergency department patients. MethodsA pilot randomized controlled trial of sexually active females aged 14–19 receiving 3 months of theory-based, unidirectional educational and motivational texts providing reproductive health information versus standardized discharge instructions. Blinded assessors measured contraception initiation via telephone follow-up and health record review at 3 months. ResultsWe randomized 100 eligible participants (predominantly aged 18–19, Hispanic, and with a primary provider); 88.0% had follow-up. In the intervention arm, 3/50 (6.0%) participants opted out, and 1,172/1,654 (70.9%) texts were successfully delivered; over 90% of message failures were from one mobile carrier. Most (36/41; 87.7%) in the intervention group liked and wanted future reproductive health messages. Contraception was initiated in 6/50 (12.0%) in the intervention arm and in 11/49 (22.4%) in the control arm. ConclusionsA pregnancy prevention texting intervention was feasible and acceptable among adolescent females in the emergency department setting.

Condom use in adolescents and young women following initiation of long- or short-acting contraceptive methods

ObjectiveThe objective was to determine if young women initiating long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) who report new sexual partner(s) would be less likely to report use of a condom than women using short-acting reversible contraceptive (SARC) methods. Study designWe enrolled a prospective cohort of 13–24-year-old women attending an adolescent-specific contraception clinic. Participants completed questionnaires at the contraceptive initiation visit and 6 months later. At follow-up, we asked if they had sexual intercourse with a new partner, if they had used condoms, if their condom use patterns had changed and why. We analyzed factors associated with condom use. ResultsWe enrolled 1048 women; 771 (73.6%) initiated LARC and 384 (36.6%) initiated SARC. At 6 months, 508 participants (48.5%) completed the follow-up survey: 380 LARC initiators and 128 SARC initiators. Approximately 23% of LARC initiators and 27% of SARC initiators reported a new partner. SARC initiators who had a new partner were more likely to report condom use at least one time than LARC initiators reporting a new partner [82.4% vs. 59.6%; odds ratio (OR): 3.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–8.43]. Such condom use was 42% higher among LARC initiators who reported a new sexual partner than those without and 38% higher for SARC initiators. In multivariable logistic regression, new sexual partner [adjusted OR (aOR) 3.29, 95% CI 2.10–5.16], SARC initiation (aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.35–3.22) and age <20 (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.14–2.49) were independent predictors of condom use. ConclusionWhile young women are less likely to report condom use in the 6 months after initiating a LARC than after initiating a short-acting method, both groups increase their condom use similarly if they report a new sexual partner. ImplicationsThe differential in condom use between LARC initiators and SARC initiators is likely related to their perceived need for pregnancy prevention, as both groups increase their condom use similarly if they had new sexual partners.

Misreporting of contraceptive hormone use in clinical research participants

ObjectiveResearchers traditionally rely on participant self-report for contraceptive use. We hypothesized that self-reported contraceptive use by clinical research participants may disagree with objectively measured hormonal status. Study designWe enrolled women in Harare, Zimbabwe, aged 18–34, who by self-report had not used hormonal or intrauterine contraception for >30 days, or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate for >10 months, into a study designed to assess biologic changes with contraceptive initiation and use. Blood samples obtained at enrollment and each follow-up visit (N=1630 from 447 participants) were evaluated by mass spectrometry for exogenous hormones. We individually interviewed a subset of participants (n=20) with discrepant self-reported and measured serum hormones to better understand nondisclosure of contraceptive use. ResultsDiscrepant with self-reported nonuse of hormonal contraception, synthetic progestogens were detectable in 120/447 (27%, 95% confidence interval 23%–31%) enrolled women. Measured exogenous hormones consistent with use of contraceptive pills (n=102), injectables (n=20) and implants (n=3) were detected at enrollment, with 7 women likely using >1 contraceptive. In-depth interviews revealed that participants understood the requirement to be hormone free at enrollment (100%). Most (85%) cited partner noncooperation with condoms/withdrawal and/or pregnancy concerns as major reasons for nondisclosed contraceptive use. All interviewed women (100%) cited access to health care as a primary motivation for study participation. Of participants who accurately reported nonuse of hormonal contraception at enrollment, 41/327 (12.5%) had objective evidence of nonstudy progestin use at follow-up that disagreed with self-reported nonuse. ConclusionsWomen joining contraceptive research studies may misrepresent their use of nonstudy contraceptive hormones at baseline and follow-up. Objective measures of hormone use are needed to ensure that study population exposures are accurately categorized. Implications statementAmong Zimbabwean women participating in a contraceptive research study, 27% had objective evidence of use of nonstudy contraceptives at enrollment that disagreed with self-report. Studies that rely on self-report to identify contraceptive hormone exposure could suffer from significant misclassification.

Postpartum Contraceptive use and Rapid Repeat Pregnancy Among Women who use Substances

ABSTRACTBackground: Postpartum contraception is especially important for women who use alcohol and other substances, given the risk of possible rapid repeat pregnancy and prenatal substance exposure. However, little is known about postpartum contraceptive use among women with substance use histories. Objective: To characterize postpartum contraceptive initiation, 24-month continuation, and rapid repeat pregnancy among women who used substances during pregnancy. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of 161 pregnant women who enrolled in a randomized clinical trial to treat substance use in pregnancy and completed at least one follow-up assessment. Women were eligible if they were less than 28 weeks gestation and reported alcohol or illicit drug use within the past 30 days. Participants were recruited from two hospital-based OB/GYN clinics between 2006 and 2010, and completed assessments at delivery and 3-, 12-, and 24-months postpartum. Results: Past 30-day use of any substance (not including tobacco) was 52.4%, 58.3%, and 59.8% at 3-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, respectively. Marijuana was the most commonly reported illicit substance (as high as 48.1%). Rates of any contraceptive use were 71.3%, 66.7% and 65.3% at 3-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, respectively; DepoProvera and condoms were the most common methods. Rapid repeat pregnancy occurred in 28% of participants by 24-month follow-up. Conclusions/Importance: Postpartum contraceptive use among substance using women was at or near 70%, which is comparable to other samples of postpartum women. Innovative efforts are needed to promote effective contraceptive use among postpartum women in general and among those who use substances in particular.

1 in 3: challenging heteronormative assumptions in family planning clinics

Objectives: We aimed to assess the range of participant-provided sexual orientation among individuals enrolled in the HER Salt Lake Contraceptive Initiative, a prospective cohort study of individuals presenting to family planning clinics in Salt Lake County wishing to avoid pregnancy for the next year.

Condom use and incident sexually transmitted infection after initiation of long-acting reversible contraception

Use of more effective contraception may lead to less condom use and increased incidence of sexually transmitted infection. The objective of this study was to compare changes in condom use and incidence of sexually transmitted infection acquisition among new initiators of long-acting reversible contraceptives to those initiating non-long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. This is a secondary analysis of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. We included 2 sample populations of 12-month continuous contraceptive users. The first included users with complete condom data (baseline, and 3, 6, and 12 months) (long-acting reversible contraceptive users: N= 2371; other methods: N= 575). The second included users with 12-month sexually transmitted infection data (long-acting reversible contraceptive users: N= 2102; other methods: N= 592). Self-reported condom use was assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months following enrollment. Changes in condom use and incident sexually transmitted infection rates were compared using χ2 tests. Risk factors for sexually transmitted infection acquisition were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Few participants in either group reported consistent condom use across all survey time points and with all partners (long-acting reversible contraceptive users: 5.2%; other methods: 11.3%; P < .001). There was no difference in change of condom use at 3, 6, and 12 months compared to baseline condom use regardless of method type (P= .65). A total of 94 incident sexually transmitted infections were documented, with long-acting reversible contraceptive users accounting for a higher proportion (3.9% vs 2.0%; P= .03). Initiation of a long-acting reversible contraceptive method was associated with increased sexually transmitted infection incidence (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence ratio, 1.07-3.72). Long-acting reversible contraceptive initiators reported lower rates of consistent condom use, but did not demonstrate a change in condom use when compared to preinitiation behaviors. Long-acting reversible contraceptive users were more likely to acquire a sexually transmitted infection in the 12 months following initiation.

Immediate postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion and breast-feeding outcomes: a noninferiority randomized controlled trial

Immediate postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion is increasing in frequency in the United States, but few studies have investigated the effect of early placement on breast-feeding outcomes. This study examined the effect of immediate vs delayed postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion on breast-feeding outcomes. We conducted this noninferiority randomized controlled trial at the University of Utah and the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Centers from February 2014 through March 2016. Eligible women were pregnant and planned to breast-feed, spoke English or Spanish, were aged 18-40 years, and desired a levonorgestrel intrauterine device. Enrolled women were randomized 1:1 to immediate postpartum insertion or delayed insertion at 4-12 weeks' postpartum. Prespecified exclusion criteria included delivery <37.0 weeks' gestational age, chorioamnionitis, postpartum hemorrhage, contraindications to levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion, and medical complications of pregnancy that could affect breast-feeding. We conducted per-protocol analysis as the primary approach, as it is considered the standard for noninferiority studies; we also report the alternative intent-to-treat analysis. We powered the study for the primary outcome, breast-feeding continuation at 8 weeks, to detect a 15% noninferiority margin between groups, requiring 132 participants in each arm. The secondary study outcome, time to lactogenesis, used a validated measure, and was analyzed by survival analysis and log rank test. We followed up participants for ongoing data collection for 6 months. Only the data analysis team was blinded to the intervention. We met the enrollment target with 319 participants, but lost 34 prior to randomization and excluded an additional 26 for medical complications prior to delivery. The final analytic sample included 132 in the immediate group and 127 in the delayed group. Report of any breast-feeding at 8 weeks in the immediate group (79%; 95% confidence interval, 70-86%) was noninferior to that of the delayed group (84%; 95% confidence interval, 76-91%). The 5% difference in breast-feeding continuation at 8 weeks between the groups fell within the noninferiority margin (95% confidence interval, -5.6 to 15%). Time to lactogenesis (mean ± SD) in the immediate group, 65.3 ± 25.7 hours, was noninferior to that of the delayed group, 63.6 ± 21.6 hours. The mean difference between groups was 1.7 hours (95% confidence interval, -4.8 to 8.2 hours), noninferior by log-rank test. A total of 24 intrauterine device expulsions occurred in the immediate group compared to 2 in the delayed group (19% vs 2%, P < .001), consistent with the known higher expulsion rate with immediate vs delayed postpartum intrauterine device insertion. No intrauterine device perforations occurred in either group. Our results of noninferior breast-feeding outcomes between women with immediate and delayed postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion suggest that immediate postpartum intrauterine device insertion is an acceptable option for women planning to breast-feed and use the levonorgestrel intrauterine device. Expulsion rates are higher with immediate postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine device insertion compared to delayed insertion, but this disadvantage may be outweighed by the advantages of immediate initiation of contraception. Providers should offer immediate postpartum intrauterine device insertion to breast-feeding women planning to use the levonorgestrel intrauterine device.

Fast-track vs. delayed insertion of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system after early medical abortion — a randomized trial

ObjectiveTo compare levonorgestrel (LNG) 52-mg intrauterine system (IUS) expulsion rates with fast-track (≤3 days) or delayed (2–4 weeks) insertion following mifepristone and misoprostol medical abortion. Study designIn this pilot trial, we randomized 108 women at ≤63 days’ gestation to fast-track (n=55) or delayed (n=53) insertion. Follow-up visits occurred at 2–4 weeks, 3 months and 1 year. We assessed total and partial expulsion at 3 months and 1 year, adverse effects and bleeding profiles. ResultsWe had follow-up data at 3 months and 1 year for 41 (74.5%) and 37 (69.8%) women in the fast-track group and 31 (56.4%) and 28 (52.8%) women in the delayed group. By 3 months, expulsion occurred in six (12.5%) women after fast-track and one (2.3%) woman after delayed insertion [risk ratio (RR) 5.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–43.90]; most (n=5) of these were partial expulsions in the fast-track group. By 1 year, expulsion had occurred in seven (14.6%) and five (11.5%) women in the fast-track and delayed groups, respectively (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.44–3.75). We found no differences in rates of vacuum aspiration, residual tissue, infection and bleeding or bleeding patterns within 3 months of insertion. ConclusionFast-track insertion of the LNG 52-mg IUS after medical abortion is feasible but may result in higher expulsion rates compared to delayed insertion. Due to lack of statistical power and high lost-to-follow-up rates, we were unable to fully address this question. ImplicationsFast-tract initiation of LNG 52-mg IUS contraception after medical abortion is feasible. It results in higher expulsion rates than delayed insertion but may improve postabortal intrauterine contraception uptake.

Factors Associated With Contraceptive Method Choice and Initiation in Adolescents and Young Women

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with uptake of contraceptive implants or intrauterine devices (IUDs) by adolescents and young women. MethodsFor this prospective cohort study, we recruited English-speaking female contraceptive initiators aged 14–24 years attending a Title X-supported, youth-focused clinic. Immediately prior to their visits, participants completed surveys assessing demographic and reproductive characteristics and awareness of, interest in, and intent to initiate specific contraceptive methods. Participants also answered questions about their social contacts' contraceptive experiences. Following the visit, participants reported the method initiated and the perceived importance of provider counseling. We used a multivariable regression model to ascertain factors associated with initiation of an IUD, an implant, or a short-acting reversible method. ResultsWe enrolled 1,048 contraceptive initiators: 277 initiated short-acting methods, 384 IUDs, and 387 implants. High previsit personal acceptability of the method was associated with choosing that method for both implants and IUDs. Knowing someone who uses a specific method and likes it was predictive of personal acceptability of that method (IUD adjusted odds ratio: 10.9, 95% confidence interval: 3.8–31.1; implant adjusted odds ratio: 7.0, 95% confidence interval: 2.3–21.0). However, 10.4% of those initiating IUDs and 14.2% of those initiating implants had never heard of the method before their appointment. Even women with previsit intent to initiate a specific method found importance in contraceptive counseling. ConclusionsPrevisit personal acceptability, which was associated with social contacts' experiences, was the strongest predictor of specific method uptake in our study. However, counseling informed the decisions of those with low previsit awareness and supported patients with formed intent.

New clinical performance measures for contraceptive care: their importance to healthcare quality

ObjectivesThe National Quality Forum (NQF) recently endorsed the first clinical performance measures for contraceptive care. We present data demonstrating that the measures meet the NQF's criterion “importance to measure and report.” Study designWe summarized national contraceptive care initiatives, epidemiologic data documenting the reproductive health burden and the scientific literature examining the association between contraceptive use and unintended pregnancy. In addition, we analyzed contraceptive use data from the National Survey of Family Growth (2013–2015) and the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (2012–2013). ResultsFive Federal agencies lead national initiatives, and two Institute of Medicine reports highlight the centrality of reproductive health outcomes for the health of women and infants. Two literature reviews demonstrate that the type of contraception used is associated with risk of unintended pregnancy. Fifty-three percent of adolescents (15–19years) and 40% of adult women (20–44years) at risk of unintended pregnancy are not using a most or moderately effective contraceptive method; in the postpartum period, one third of adolescents (≤19years) and 44% of adult women (≥20years) are not using these methods. ConclusionsThe new contraceptive care measures meet the NQF criterion for “importance to measure and report.” The measures are based on evidence that contraceptive use is associated with reproductive health outcomes, and there is a substantial performance gap in the use of most and moderately effective methods. ImplicationsUsing the new contraceptive care measures may motivate providers to increase access to contraceptive care, thereby improving health outcomes.

What Nurses Need to Know About Immediate Postpartum Initiation of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception

Initiation of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in the immediate postpartum period is becoming more common, resulting in increased requests for early removal, primarily because of unpredictable bleeding patterns. Competing interests of healthful spacing of pregnancies, impact on breastfeeding, risks associated with pregnancy versus contraceptive method, potential adverse effects of LARC, and timing of informed consent make immediate postpartum initiation of LARC an important issue. Nearly 40% of women do not attend a postpartum visit at all, resulting in decreased initiation of contraception and increased risk of unplanned pregnancy. Nurses caring for women during the peripartum period can help women make informed decisions and can provide anticipatory guidance regarding this method of contraception. Evidence-based postpartum education and support can result in women’s increased continuation of and satisfaction with LARC.

Intrauterine Devices and Contraceptive Implants: Overview of Options and Updates on Method Use

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants offer safe and highly effective long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) without requiring routine effort from users. A majority of women who choose these methods report high satisfaction; 12-month continuation rates typically exceed 80%. We summarize some of the latest research and recommendations for use of currently available LARC methods to promote high-quality service delivery. New hormonal LARC methods are available, and research suggests that the duration of contraceptive protection for some existing methods extends beyond current manufacturer instructions. Updated evidence-based guidelines recommend that most women, including women with various medical conditions, can safely use IUDs and/or contraceptive implants. Initiation can be timed to whenever pregnancy is reasonably excluded, and few, if any, examinations or tests are required prior to insertion. We highlight some considerations for the use of these methods by adolescents and by women who are postpartum or breastfeeding and immediately following abortion. LARC methods offer many attractive features to women seeking contraception, and there are a growing number of options available for women to consider. Evidence-based recommendations should guide determinations of medical eligibility. Implementing best practices for safe and effective provision of LARC and optimizing opportunities for contraceptive initiation enables providers to better respond to women’s needs. Access to contraception and family planning, including LARC, is critical to the health and well-being of women, families, and communities worldwide.

Postpartum contraception: initiation and effectiveness in a large universal healthcare system

Repeat pregnancies after a short interpregnancy interval are common and are associated with negative maternal and infant health outcomes. Few studies have examined the relative effectiveness of postpartum contraceptive choices. We aimed to determine the initiation trends and relative effectiveness of postpartum contraceptive methods, with typical use, on prevention of short delivery intervals (≤27 months) among women with access to universal healthcare, including coverage that entails no co-payments and allows unlimited contraceptive method switching. This retrospective cohort study included women who were enrolled in the United States military healthcare system who were admitted for childbirth between October 2010 and March 2015, with ≥6 months postpartum enrollment. With the use of insurance records, we determined the most effective contraceptive method initiated during the first 6 months after delivery, even if subsequently discontinued. Rates of interdelivery intervals of ≤27 months, as proxies for interpregnancy intervals ≤18 months, were determined with the use of the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Women who were disenrolled, who reached 27 months after delivery without another delivery, or who reached the end of the study period were censored. The influence of sociodemographic variables and contraceptive choices on time to subsequent delivery was evaluated by Cox regression analysis, which accounted for a possible correlation among multiple deliveries by an individual woman. During the study timeframe, 373,840 women experienced a total of 450,875 postpartum intervals. Women averaged 27 (standard deviation, 5.3) years of age at the time of delivery; 33.9% of them were <25 years old; 15.5% of them were active duty service members, and 31.6% of them had insurance sponsors of junior enlisted rank (which suggests lower income). Postpartum contraceptive methods that were initiated included self or partner sterilization (7%), intrauterine device (13.5%), etonogestrel implant (3.4%), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5%), and pill, patch, or ring (36.8%). Furthermore, 36.7% of them did not initiate a prescription method. Etonogestrel implant initiation increased from 1.7% of postpartum women in the first year of our study to 5.3% in the final year. The estimated short interdelivery interval rate was 17.4%, but rates varied with contraceptive method: 1% with sterilization, 6% with long-acting reversible contraception, 12% with depot medroxyprogesterone, 21% with pill, patch, or ring, and 23% with no prescription method. In a multivariable analysis, the adjusted hazard of a short interdelivery interval was highest among women who were younger, on active duty, or with officer insurance sponsors. Compared with nonuse of any prescription contraceptive, the use of an intrauterine device reduced the hazard of a subsequent delivery (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.20), as did etonogestrel implant (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.23); the pill, patch, or ring had less effect (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.81). Postpartum initiation of long-acting reversible contraception is highly effective at the prevention of short interdelivery intervals, whereas pill, patch, or ring methods are associated with rates of short interdelivery intervals similar to users of no prescription contraception. This study supports long-acting reversible contraception as first-line recommendations for postpartum women who wish to retain fertility but avoid early repeat pregnancy.

Contraceptive Use and Pregnancy Incidence Among Women Participating in an HIV Prevention Trial.

Recent HIV prevention trials required use of effective contraceptive methods to fulfill eligibility for enrollment. We compared pregnancy rates in a subset of participants enrolled in the Microbicide Trials Network protocol (MTN-003), a randomized trial of chemoprophylaxis to prevent HIV acquisition among women aged 18-45 years who initiated depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or combined oral contraceptives (COCs) at enrollment, relative to those already using DMPA or COCs. Data were analyzed from MTN-003 participants from Uganda. Before enrollment, information on contraceptive type and initiation date was obtained. Urine pregnancy tests were performed at monthly follow-up visits. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare pregnancy incidence among new users (initiated ≤60 days before enrollment) and established users (initiated >60 days before enrollment). Of 322 women enrolled, 296 were COC or DMPA users, 82 (28%) were new users, and 214 (72%) were established users. Pregnancy incidence was higher among new contraceptive users compared to established users (20.70% vs. 10.55%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.66; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.93-2.96). Among DMPA users, pregnancy incidence was 10.20% in new users versus 3.48% in established users (HR = 2.56; 95% CI 0.86-7.65). Among new COC users, pregnancy incidence was 42.67% in new users versus 23.67% in established COC users (adjusted HR = 1.74; 95% CI 0.87-3.48). New contraceptive users, regardless of method, at the Uganda MTN-003 site had an increased pregnancy risk compared to established users, which may be due to contraceptive initiation primarily for trial eligibility. New users may benefit from intensive contraceptive counseling and additional contraceptive options, including longer acting reversible contraceptives.

Interpregnancy Interval After Termination of Pregnancy and the Risks of Adverse Outcomes in Subsequent Birth.

To assess whether the length of the interpregnancy interval after termination of pregnancy influences the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age neonates in a subsequent pregnancy. In this register-based study, we included all women (N=19,894) who underwent termination of pregnancy between 2000 and 2009 and whose subsequent pregnancy ended in live singleton delivery. The women were divided into five groups depending on the interpregnancy interval between termination of pregnancy and subsequent conception: interpregnancy interval less than 6 months (n=2,956), 6 to less than 12 months (n=3,203), 12 to less than 18 months (n=2,623), 18 to less than 24 months (n=2,076), and 24 months or greater (n=9,036). The incidences and unadjusted and adjusted risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age neonates were calculated in relation to the different interpregnancy interval lengths, the reference group being that with an interpregnancy interval of 18 to less than 24 months. There was a significant difference in the rate of preterm birth between the group with the interpregnancy interval less than 6 months and the reference group (5.6% compared with 4.0%, respectively, P=.008). After adjusting for nine background factors, an interpregnancy interval of less than 6 months was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.77). No such association emerged in longer interpregnancy interval groups or regarding other adverse events. The possibility of unmeasured confounding cannot be ruled out. Slightly but significantly increased estimated risk of preterm delivery in subsequent pregnancy was seen when the interpregnancy interval after termination of pregnancy was less than 6 months. These data emphasize the need for prompt initiation of effective contraception after termination and enable counseling the patient for optimal conception interval.

Does using the “pregnancy checklist” delay safe initiation of contraception?

Does using the “pregnancy checklist” delay safe initiation of contraception?

Providers’ Attitudes, Beliefs, and Barriers Regarding Initiation of Hormonal Contraception for Adolescent and Young Adults in the Inpatient Setting

Providers’ Attitudes, Beliefs, and Barriers Regarding Initiation of Hormonal Contraception for Adolescent and Young Adults in the Inpatient Setting