Uptake and adherence to long-acting reversible contraception post-abortion.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to increase use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods by women post-abortion.


METHODS
Ten-week intervention at a public abortion clinic involving free access to three LARC methods (DMPA, LNG-IUS, Multiload Cu375); posters promoting LARC; updated information for clinic staff.


METHODS
change in the proportion of women choosing LARC prior to and during the intervention; rate of follow-up and method retention at 6 weeks and at 6 months post-abortion.


RESULTS
Use of post-abortion LARC increased significantly from 44% at baseline (226/510) to 61% (310/510) during the intervention (p<.001). Use of LNG-IUS increased almost sixfold from 6% to 36%. Follow-up rates were 71% at 6 weeks (221/310) and 74% at 6 months (184/249). Method retention was 89% at 6 weeks (197/221) and 86% at 6 months (159/184).


CONCLUSIONS
Uptake of LARC by women post-abortion can be achieved by increasing access to these methods - by eliminating cost and raising awareness and benefits of long-acting methods among both clinicians and patients.
Rose
Sally B
SB
Women's Health Research Centre, Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington South, New Zealand. sally.rose@otago.ac.nz
Lawton
Beverley A
BA
Brown
Selina A
SA
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; D009520:New Zealand; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012736:Sex Education; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate