Abstract
Objectives
To describe contraceptive use among U.S. female family planning providers and to compare
their contraceptive choices to the general population.
Study design
We surveyed a convenience sample of female family planning providers ages 25–44 years, including physicians and advanced practice clinicians, via an internet-based
survey from April to May 2013. Family planning providers were compared to female respondents
ages 25–44 years from the 2011–2013 National Survey of Family Growth.
Results
A total of 488 responses were eligible for analysis; 331 respondents (67.8%) were
using a contraceptive method. Providers' contraceptive use differed markedly from
that of the general population, with providers significantly more likely to use intrauterine
contraception, an implant, and the vaginal ring. Providers were significantly less
likely to use female sterilization and condoms. There were no significant differences
between providers and the general population in use of partner vasectomy or the pill.
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use was significantly higher among providers
than in the general population (41.7% vs. 12.1%, p<.001). These results were consistent
when stratifying by variables including self-identified race/ethnicity and educational
level.
Conclusions
The contraceptive choices of this sample of female family planning providers differed
significantly from the general population. These findings have implications for clinical
practice, patient education, and health policy.
Implications
Family planning providers report higher use of LARC than the general population. This
may reflect differences in preferences and access. Providers might consider sharing
these findings with patients, while maintaining patient choice and autonomy.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 23, 2015
Accepted:
February 16,
2015
Received in revised form:
February 6,
2015
Received:
December 12,
2014
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
