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Barriers to Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Uptake Among Homeless Young Women
Mohini Dasari1, Sonya Borrero2, Aletha Y Akers3
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Study Objective:
To identify barriers to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) uptake among homeless young women.
Design:
In this mixed methods study surveys and guided interviews were used to explore women's contraceptive and reproductive experiences, interactions with the health care system, and their histories of homelessness.
Setting:
All surveys and interviews were conducted at a homeless drop-in center or shelter.
Participants:
Fifteen women between 18 and 24 years of age with a past year history of homelessness.
Interventions:
None.
Main Outcome Measures:
Perceived barriers to contraceptive use, including knowledge and access barriers and interactions with the health care system around reproductive health.
Results:
Confusion about the possibility of early termination of LARC, and the perception that providers deliberately withhold selective information about contraceptive options to bias contraceptive decision-making, were 2 key new findings. Women also reported interest in visual aids accompanying verbal contraceptive counseling. Pregnancy attitudes and history of reproductive and sexual coercion also influenced contraceptive decision-making and reported interest in LARC methods.
Conclusion:
Comprehensive counseling about all contraceptive options, including LARC, are important for targeting the perceived gaps in contraceptive education and care among homeless young women.
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