142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Exploring fertility concerns and long-acting reversible contraceptive choice among young women

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Jackelyn Payne , Department of Health and Human Performance, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
Beth Sundstrom, Ph.D., M.P.H. , Department of Communication, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
Andrea DeMaria, PhD, MS , Department of Health and Human Performance, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
Background: Approximately 80% of college women are at risk of unintended pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods, including the contraceptive implant and intrauterine devices (IUDs), as first-line pregnancy prevention for adolescents and young women. Yet, less than 5% of 15-19 year old women using a method of contraception use LARC. Limited research explores the relationship between fertility concerns and contraceptive choice among young women. According to a recent study of U.S. women, 40% believed they might face infertility.

Objective: This qualitative study examines fertility concerns among college-age women in relation to long-acting reversible contraception.

Methods: Researchers conducted 53 in-depth interviews with college women, ages 18-24, as part of a larger women’s health research study. Data analyses were completed using qualitative data analysis software. Diffusion of innovations theory provided an appropriate conceptual lens for data collection and analysis. 

Results: Fear of causing harm or infertility through LARC use emerged as a significant barrier to adoption. Stigma, grounded in the history of failed IUDs, led to silence and limited observability of LARC methods in daily life and health care contexts. These young women negotiated complex identities related to career and childbearing goals. Identity emerged as an antecedent factor to the compatibility of LARC methods with participants’ values and beliefs.

Discussion: Results provide practical suggestions for health communicators and health care providers to address young women’s fertility concerns in relation to LARC method choice in order to increase use of these highly effective options.

Learning Areas:

Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
Describe the impact of fertility concerns on long-acting reversible contraceptive choice. Design health messages to address young women's fertility concerns and increase uptake of LARC methods.

Keyword(s): College Students, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in public health and have assisted with qualitative research pertaining to women's reproductive health. I have also co-authored an academic article submitted for publication and presented a poster on the research findings.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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