LARCs? : Women's lack of awareness and hesitation to use

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are new contraceptive options that do not require daily attention and could benefit women who have difficulty using other methods. Survey and focus group data revealed 18- to 30-year-old women's knowledge about these methods was limited and women were cautious about using them. Two random-digit dial surveys were conducted in the spring (N=543) and fall (N =796) of 2008 to ascertain women's awareness and knowledge of two new long-acting hormonal contraceptives. Younger women were more likely to have heard of LARCs. Early in 2008, 50.0% of women reported hearing of IUDs, while later in the year 65.8% had heard of it. 21.9% recalled it was an intrauterine contraceptive, and 18.0% knew it could be used for 5 years. Women who were married, had more education, and had previous pregnancies were more likely to have heard of IUDs. In spring 2008, only 8.0% of women had heard of implantable hormonal contraceptive and awareness rose to 12.5% by fall 2008. About three-fourths of women knew that it was an implant and 8.6% knew it could be used for 3 years. Non-metro women and women on Medicaid were more likely to have heard of LARCs. In 18 focus groups, women (N =106) reported knowing little about LARCs. Benefits associated with other contraceptives were not associated with LARCs. Women were concerned about potential side effects and problems arising from using a new contraceptive. Programs promoting LARCs must focus on increasing awareness, improving knowledge, and addressing concerns about side effects.