Factors associated with long-acting reversible contraception use among women Veterans in the ECUUN study.

Koenig AF, Borrero S, Zhao X, Callegari L, Mor MK, Sonalkar S. Factors associated with long-acting reversible contraception use among women Veterans in the ECUUN study. Contraception. 2019 Sep 1; 100(3):234-240.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• IIR 12-124 – Examining Contraceptive Use and Unmet Need Among Women Veterans
• CDA 14-412 – Reproductive Planning for Women Veterans

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Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to understand patient-, provider- and system-level factors associated with long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use among women Veterans and with receipt of LARC methods within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed data from a national telephone-based survey of 2302 women ages 18-44 receiving primary care in VA. Multivariable regression was used to examine adjusted associations of participant-reported patient-, provider- and facility-level factors with LARC use and within-VA receipt of LARC among women Veterans. RESULTS: Among 987 women Veterans at risk of unintended pregnancy, 294 (30%) reported using LARC, 65% of whom had received their method within VA. Higher LARC use was observed among women who were multiparous vs. nulliparous [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-2.22] and did not desire future pregnancies (aOR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.31-2.68). Although overall LARC uptake was not associated with any provider- or facility-level factors, receipt of these methods within VA was associated with receiving both general and gender-specific health care by a single provider (aOR = 2.81; 95% CI = 1.20-6.61) and with receiving care within a women''s health clinic (aOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.17-5.50). CONCLUSIONS: While patient-level factors were more strongly correlated with use of LARC, provider- and system-level factors influence whether women received these methods within VA. IMPLICATIONS: This study of patient-, provider- and system-level correlates of LARC use in VA, the country''s largest integrated healthcare system, highlights that women Veterans share similar patient-level factors associated with LARC use as the general population and that continuity with providers and comprehensive women''s health services can facilitate LARC access.