Prescription contraception use: a cross-sectional population study of psychosocial determinants.
OBJECTIVE
Many forms of contraception are available on prescription only for example, the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). In this analysis we aim to identify key determinants of prescription contraceptive use.


METHODS
Cross-sectional population survey. Data on sociodemographic indices, concerns about the OCP and perceived barriers to access were collected.


METHODS
Data set constructed from a representative population-based telephone survey of community dwelling adults in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) PARTICIPANTS: 1515 women aged between 18 and 45 years


METHODS
Self-reported user of the OCP or LARCs (intrauterine contraception, contraceptive injections or subdermal contraceptive implants) in the previous 12 months.


RESULTS
For at least some of the previous year, 35% had used the OCP and 14% had used LARCs, while 3% had used two or more of these methods. OCP users were significantly younger, more likely to be unmarried and had higher income than non-users. Overall, 68% agreed with the statement 'that taking a break from long-term use of the contraceptive pill is a good idea' and 37% agreed with the statement that 'the OCP has dangerous side effects' and this was the strongest predictor variable of non-use of the OCP. Intrauterine contraception users were significantly older, more likely to be married and had lower income than non-users. Injections or subdermal contraceptive implant users were significantly younger, less likely to be married, had lower income and were less likely to agree that taking a break from long-term use of the pill is a good idea than non-users.


CONCLUSIONS
Prescription contraceptive use is sociodemographically patterned, with LARCs in particular being associated with lower incomes in the RoI. Concerns about the safety of the OCP remain prevalent and are important and modifiable determinants of contraceptive-related behaviour.
School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland.
Gerard J
GJ
Molloy
School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland.
Leigh-Ann
LA
Sweeney
School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland Whitaker Institute for Innovation and Societal Change, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland.
Molly
M
Byrne
School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
Carmel M
CM
Hughes
Centre for Sexual Health Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Roger
R
Ingham
Department of Psychology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland Perdana University Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine, Malaysia.
Karen
K
Morgan
Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Republic of Ireland.
Andrew W
AW
Murphy
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007494:Ireland; D008875:Middle Aged; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004343:Drug Implants; D055553:Prescription Drugs
EPIDEMIOLOGY; PUBLIC HEALTH; SOCIAL MEDICINE