Physician acceptability of the Intrauterine Device as Emergency Contraception in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Background:

The copper-bearing intrauterine device (IUD) is both safe and the most effective form of emergency contraception (EC), but women are often unaware of its use as EC. Few studies have examined the attitudes of health care providers, who are gatekeepers to this method, regarding acceptability of the IUD for EC. We estimate level of knowledge and acceptability of IUDs as EC among physicians in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Methods:

Surveys were conducted with physicians in emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynecology departments at a public hospital. We performed bivariate analysis using chi-squared tests and t-tests to examine the relationship between provider characteristics and knowledge and acceptability of the IUD as EC.

Results:

Among respondents (N=42), 92.7% were trained in IUD insertions, but only 59.5% were aware that the IUD served as EC, and even fewer (33.3%) were highly knowledgeable of the IUD as EC. After being provided with information on WHO guidelines and efficacy, 78.6% of physicians responded it was probable they would recommend the IUD as EC. In bivariate analyses, physicians that performed fewer IUD insertions throughout their career (p<.10), attended church only occasionally (p<.05), and had enough experience to counsel patients regarding IUDs (p<.10) had more accepting attitudes towards the IUD as EC.

Conclusion:

Results suggest the need for more education of health care providers on the safety and efficacy of the IUD as EC. Additional benefits of this method include long-term protection against unwanted pregnancy, which can help bring down high rates of unintended pregnancy.