Reasons for ineffective pre-pregnancy contraception use in patients seeking abortion services

Abstract 

Background

We sought to better understand reasons for not obtaining desired contraception among women presenting for a pregnancy termination.

Study Design

A survey was completed by women prior to having an abortion procedure. Reasons for lack of access were categorized as institutional, individual and compliance issues. Descriptive statistics were calculated and variables compared using χ² tests.

Results

Participants (n=298) ranged in age from 18 to 48 years. One third reported contraceptive use prior to pregnancy (37%). Approximately 72% of women reported some reason for not obtaining desired contraception, while 34% reported two or more. The distribution of reported individual, institutional, and compliance reasons were 44%, 28%, and 24%, respectively. Report of at least one reason was associated with a 35% increase in non-use (RR=1.35; 95% CI, 1.02–1.80) after adjusting for age, race, education, parity, and prior abortion.

Conclusions

Many reasons for not obtaining desired contraception exist and are associated with non-use of contraception. Removing these reasons may help reduce unintended pregnancies and rates of pregnancy termination.

Keywords: Contraception, Pregnancy termination, Health disparities, Race, Women's health, Gynecology