title: Determinants of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use by adolescent girls and young women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify factors relevant for adolescents and young women in their selection of a contraceptive method and reasons for acceptance or rejection of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaire survey among 194 women attending an integrated young people service.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to the number of those who had heard about all LARCs (71%), the number of respondents who had used a LARC was low (28%). Awareness of intrauterine methods was the lowest, compared to other LARCs. High efficacy, protection against sexually transmitted infections and non interference with sex were the three most important factors when choosing a contraceptive method, whereas the possibility of altering the menstrual pattern and reversibility were not considered important. Qualities of LARCs such as reliability and long duration of action would encourage young women to accept LARCs. Knowledge of peers' good experience with a LARC fosters, but fear of pain and needle (most obvious for intrauterine methods) restrains use of these methods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite reliability and long-term use being important advantages, fear of pain and needles make LARCs less appealing to young people. Current LARCs meet some, but not all expectations of adolescents and young women.
authors: Margaret Pyke Centre, Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust, Camden Provider Services London, UK. preeti.bharadwaj@nhs.net
authors: Preeti
authors: P
authors: Bharadwaj
authors: Hannat
authors: H
authors: Akintomide
authors: Nataliya
authors: N
authors: Brima
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Copas
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: D'Souza
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D000367:Age Factors; D003267:Contraception; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008923:Missouri; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004343:Drug Implants