Abstract
Objectives
To describe use of non-barrier contraceptives over a 9-month period, consistency in
method use, and identify factors associated with method nonuse, switching, and consistency
among Latina adolescents attending California sexual and reproductive health (SRH)
centers.
Study design
We conducted a cohort study using data self-reported at baseline, and 3- and 9-months
post-baseline. The analysis included 1162 sexually active adolescents aged 18 to 19
who self-identified as female and Latina, indicated that they were not currently pregnant
or trying to become pregnant, and who attended California SRH centers between June
2016 and June 2020. We used binomial generalized multivariable linear models with
a log link to assess the likelihood of nonbarrier method consistency, switching, and
non-use.
Results
At baseline, 453 of 1162 (39%) of respondents were using short-acting methods (pill,
patch, ring, or injection), 113 of 1162 (9.7%) were using long-acting methods (implants
or intrauterine devices [IUDs]), and 596 of 1162 (51.3%) reported using neither short-
nor long-acting methods. Over a 9-month period, 22/33 (66.7%) of those using IUDs
consistently used the method, which was a statistically greater frequency of consistency
than individuals who selected other nonbarrier methods (270/530 [50.9%], aRR: 1.40;
95% CI: 1.11, 1.77). Implant users had rates of method consistency similar to users
of other nonbarrier methods (aRR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.38). Factors independently
associated with method consistency included being older, having never been pregnant,
having greater perceived risk of pregnancy, and greater contraceptive knowledge.
Conclusion
Sexually active Latina adolescents attending California SRH centers who were not trying
to become pregnant maintained consistent contraceptive use more frequently when using
an IUD. Using a patient-centered approach, contraceptive counseling for Latina adolescents
can describe the combined efficacy and contraceptive stability offered by IUDs should
patients desire it.
Implications
This study addressees gaps in knowledge about U.S. Latina adolescents’ contraceptive
use patterns. We demonstrate that IUD users, and not implant users, appear more likely
to consistently use their method than those using non-LARC methods. Patient-centered
contraceptive counseling for Latina adolescents can describe the greater contraceptive
stability that IUDs may offer.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 11, 2022
Accepted:
September 23,
2022
Received in revised form:
September 15,
2022
Received:
January 18,
2022
Footnotes
☆Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this article.
☆☆Funding: The parent randomized controlled trial was supported by the U.S. Office of Population Affairs [TP2AH000036, 2016]. The funding source had no involvement in the design, analysis, interpretation, or manuscript production for this study.
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