Long-acting reversible contraception: Findings from the Understanding Fertility Management in Contemporary Australia survey

Abstract

Objectives 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.

• keywords
• Australia
• Implant
• IUD
• Intrauterine contraception
• Long-acting reversible contraception

View correction statement:

Long-acting reversible contraception: Findings from the Understanding Fertility Management in Contemporary Australia survey

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The researchers are grateful to Dr Karen Wynter for assistance with data management and Dr Thach Tran for statistical advice, and thank all respondents for their generous participation.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This research was supported by an Australian Research Council Linkage Project Grant (LP100200432) with funding and in-kind contributions from Family Planning Victoria, Melbourne IVF, The Royal Women's Hospital, and the Victorian Department of Health. JF is supported by a Monash Professorial Fellowship and the Jean Hailes Professorial Fellowship.