Abstract
Background
Across the Asia-Pacific region, approximately 38% of pregnancies are unintended. Long-acting
reversible contraception, such as intrauterine contraception (IUC), is effective in
reducing unintended pregnancy.
Objective
This study aims to review access to, uptake of and influencing factors on IUC use
in the Asia-Pacific region.
Methods
We searched PubMed and MEDLINE for articles published between 1990 and 2015. We identified
and reviewed primary studies that examined the following points and were relevant
to the Asia-Pacific region: available types and utilization rates of IUC and factors
that influence these. We also obtained the opinions of local experts to gain a better
understanding of the situation in specific countries.
Results
Types of IUC used and utilization rates vary widely across the region. Factors influencing
rates of utilization relate to healthcare systems, such as government policy on and
subsidization of IUC, types of healthcare providers authorized to place IUC and local
guidelines on preinsertion screening. Healthcare provider factors include concerns
around pelvic inflammatory disease and the suitability of IUC in certain groups of
women, whereas end-user factors include lack of awareness of IUC, concerns about safety,
cultural or religious attitudes, access to IUC and costs.
Conclusions
Across the Asia-Pacific region, clear data gaps and unmet needs exist in terms of
access to and uptake of IUC. We believe that several recommendations are necessary
to update future practice and policy for enhanced IUC utilization so that women across
this region have better access to IUC.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 25, 2016
Accepted:
August 22,
2016
Received in revised form:
August 18,
2016
Received:
March 31,
2016
Footnotes
☆Conflicts of interest: As part of her role as Medical Director of Family Planning NSW, Deborah Bateson has participated in expert forums held by Bayer HealthCare and has been supported by Bayer HealthCare to attend conferences. She has never received any personal remuneration for these activities. Her organization receives sponsorship from Bayer HealthCare for its educational courses for doctors and nurses. Sukho Kang has provided expert opinion for Bayer HealthCare, has been supported to attend conferences and has obtained research funding from Bayer HealthCare for sponsor-initiated clinical trials. Helen Paterson has been supported by Bayer HealthCare to attend an educational conference. Kuldip Singh has no relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Identification
Copyright
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