Long-acting reversible contraception for adolescents and young adults - A cross-sectional study of women and general practitioners in Oslo, Norway

• Published in: The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care 2014-06, Vol.19 (3), p.194-202
• Main Authors: Bratlie, Marte, Aarvold, Trine, Skårn, Elling Skeide, Lundekvam, Jonas Andre, Nesheim, Britt-Ingjerd, Askevold, Erik Tandberg
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Birth control; Clinical Competence; Counseling; Counselling; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug Implants; Female; General practitioner; General Practitioners - education; General Practitioners - psychology; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Implant; Information Seeking Behavior; Intrauterine device; Intrauterine devices; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; Intrauterine system; IUD; Knowledge; Long-acting reversible contraceptive; Male; Middle Aged; Norway; Parity; Patient Education as Topic; Practice Patterns, Physicians' - statistics & numerical data; Teenagers; Women; Young Adult; Young adults
• ISSN: 1362-5187; 1473-0782
• DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2014.903237

Abstract Objectives To investigate awareness and use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in the Norwegian primary care sector. Methods We surveyed 359 women aged 16 to 23 years visiting a free sexual health clinic and 140 general practitioners (GPs) in Oslo, Norway, to assess contraceptive usage patterns, knowledge, opinions, and counselling content. Results Eighty-two percent (n = 295) of the female respondents were current contraceptive users and of this group, 12% (n = 34) were LARC users. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs, 56%) and condoms (20%) were the methods most commonly used. Apart from those two, the women considered themselves insufficiently knowledgeable about other family planning modalities. Knowledge was an independent predictor of current LARC use (p < 0.001). Approximately 35% of GPs often discussed LARC methods when counselling but, due to a lack of implant insertion training, only a few frequently discussed implants during counselling (odds ratio [OR]: 0.12; p = 0.013). The main determinant for not mentioning intrauterine devices and the intrauterine system during counselling was nulliparity (OR: 0.2; p = 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion LARC use is low among 16 to 23-year-olds in Oslo, Norway. These young women need better contraceptive counselling. Dispelling misconceptions and improved provider training could encourage GPs to cover LARCs when giving contraceptive guidance.