2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo

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Online Program

321427
Trends and Variation in LARC Use among Planned Parenthood Affiliates


Tuesday, November 3, 2015 : 4:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Julia Kohn, PhD MPA, Research and CQI Department, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York, NY
Zoe Unger, MPH, Research Department, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York, NY
Jocelyn Benson, MPH, Business Intelligence, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York, NY
Audio (mp3) recording Recorded Presentation (mp4)
Objectives:  Utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) — including intrauterine contraceptives (IUCs) and implants — is increasing among U.S. women. National data show that 12% of women using contraceptives used LARCs from 2011–2013, up from 8.5% in 2009. Given high efficacy and ease of use, LARCs have great potential to reduce unintended pregnancy. The research objective was to examine trends in LARC use among Planned Parenthood contraceptive clients and variation among Planned Parenthood affiliates. 

Methods:  We analyzed de-identified, aggregate Planned Parenthood client visit data from 2009–2013 to explore trends in use and affiliate variation.

Results:  The proportion of contraceptive clients using LARC increased steadily, from 4% in 2009 to 9% in 2013 (6.5% IUCs and 2.5% implants). There was wide variation between affiliates. In 2013, LARC use ranged from 1–20% of all contraceptive clients (mean=7%). IUC use ranged from 1–19% (mean=6%), and implant use from less than 1% to 6% (mean=2%).

Conclusions:  LARC use increased steadily for both IUCs and implants, mirroring national trends. Examining overall utilization obscures disparities in LARC prevalence between affiliates. Research is needed to determine affiliate- and center-level factors associated with higher LARC utilization.

Learning Areas:

Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Describe trends in LARC use among Planned Parenthood contraceptive clients. Identify one potential area for future systems research on LARC utilization.

Keyword(s): Contraception, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As the National Director of Research for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, I conceived of this study, conducted the data analysis, and interpreted the findings. Among my interests has been research to increase access to long-acting reversible contraceptive methods for those who desire them.
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.

Back to: 4444.0: Long-acting reversible contraception