title: Predictors of long-acting reversible contraception use among unmarried young adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the study was to improve the understanding of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use patterns among unmarried, young adults at risk of unintended pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a secondary data analysis of a national survey conducted by Guttmacher Institute of unmarried women and men aged 18-29 years. LARC is defined as an intrauterine device (IUD) or implant. Predictors of LARC use and IUD knowledge among those at risk for unintended pregnancy (n = 1222) were assessed using χ(2) analysis and logistic regression models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  LARC use was associated with older age, high IUD knowledge, and earlier onset of sexual activity. Respondents with high IUD knowledge were 6 times more likely to be current LARC users (odds ratio [OR], 6.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-28.8). Sociodemographic variables did not predict use. Respondents with lower education (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.0-3.0), an external locus of control (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3), male sex (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-4.1), and foreign language had less knowledge of IUD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasing knowledge of IUD among certain groups may improve LARC use among young, unmarried adults and in turn decrease unintended pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. dempsear@musc.edu
authors.forename: Angela R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Dempsey
authors.forename: Caroline C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Billingsley
authors.forename: Ashlyn H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Savage
authors.forename: Jeffrey E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Korte
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012847:Single Person / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants