title: Long-acting reversible contraception: Findings from the Understanding Fertility Management in Contemporary Australia survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this research was to investigate awareness, perceived reliability and consideration of use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) among Australians of reproductive age.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 18- to 50-year-old women and men (N = 2235) was randomly recruited from the Australian electoral roll in 2013. Respondents completed a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire. Data were weighted to reduce non-response bias. Factors associated with perceived reliability and consideration of use of LARC were identified in multivariable analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most respondents had heard of implants (76.5%) and intrauterine contraception (63.7%). However, most did not think implants (56.3%) or IUDs (63.9%) were reliable and would not consider using implants (71.6%) or IUDs (77.5%). Those significantly more likely to perceive LARC as reliable were younger, did not regard religion as important in fertility choices, had private health insurance, had been pregnant and had had an abortion; and women who had a partner. Those more likely to consider using LARC were younger and did not regard religion as important in fertility choices; women who had private health insurance, lived in an area of socioeconomic advantage and had had an abortion; and men without a partner, born in Australia and comfortable talking to a health care provider about contraceptive matters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite high awareness of LARC among Australian adults, its perceived reliability and willingness to use it remain low in certain groups. Targeted interventions that aim to increase knowledge of the benefits and reliability of LARC and allow informed use are recommended.
authors.affiliation: a * Jean Hailes Research Unit, Monash University , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Holton
authors.affiliation: a * Jean Hailes Research Unit, Monash University , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rowe
authors.affiliation: a * Jean Hailes Research Unit, Monash University , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Maggie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kirkman
authors.affiliation: b Family Planning Victoria , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Lynne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.affiliation: b Family Planning Victoria , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McNamee
authors.affiliation: c The Royal Women's Hospital , Melbourne , Australia.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bayly
authors.affiliation: d Melbourne IVF, Melbourne , Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McBain
authors.affiliation: e Victorian Government Department of Health , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Vikki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sinnott
authors.affiliation: a * Jean Hailes Research Unit, Monash University , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003270:Contraceptive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012067:Religion; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D004343:Drug Implants
keywords: Australia; IUD; Implant; Intrauterine contraception; Long-acting reversible contraception; keywords