title: Barriers to Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Uptake Among Homeless Young Women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify barriers to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) uptake among homeless young women.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  All surveys and interviews were conducted at a homeless drop-in center or shelter.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen women between 18 and 24 years of age with a past year history of homelessness.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Comprehensive counseling about all contraceptive options, including LARC, are important for targeting the perceived gaps in contraceptive education and care among homeless young women.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: mod13@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Mohini
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dasari
authors.affiliation: Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Sonya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Borrero
authors.affiliation: The Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Aletha Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Akers
authors.affiliation: Adolescent Health, Group Health Cooperative, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Gina S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Sucato
authors.affiliation: Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dick
authors.affiliation: Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hicks
authors.affiliation: Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003376:Counseling; D003657:Decision Making; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Contraception; Homelessness; IUD; Implant; LARC; Mixed-methods