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Introduction: Contraceptive switching from a more effective to a less effective method is a concern, especially in developing countries with high unmet needs for family planning. Indeed, the lack of understanding regarding the reasons behind contraceptive switching behavior in the study area poses a significant challenge in effectively addressing this issue. Objective: This study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with long-acting contraceptive switching in Mizan-Aman town, southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 345 women randomly selected from the population of married women in their reproductive age group. Data collection was conducted through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to ascertain factors linked with contraceptive method switching status. Statistical significance was determined at a P -value of less than.05. Results: Out of the 345 participants interviewed, the prevalence of switching from long-acting to short-acting contraceptives was 28.4%, 95% CI (13.6%, 33.2%). Upon adjusting for confounding variables, factors significantly associated with contraceptive switching included women aged 31–35 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.58; 95% CI (0.36, 0.74)] and aged 41–49 [AOR = 0.54; 95% CI (0.48, 0.82)], those with formal education [AOR = 0.79; 95% CI (0.52, 0.87)], those desiring future pregnancy [AOR = 2.12; 95% CI (1.98, 3.38)], experiencing complications from previous method use [AOR = 3.67; 95% CI (2.57, 7.40)], and encountering stockouts of their preferred contraceptive choice [AOR = 2.01; 95% CI (1.39, 3.24)]. Conclusion and recommendation: The study area exhibited a notable prevalence of switching from long-acting contraceptives. Complications arising from prior method use and the unavailability of preferred contraceptive options emerged as significant factors influencing this switching behavior. Thus, it underscores the importance of providing counseling and ongoing support to women, ensuring access to safer and more effective modern contraceptive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormonal contraceptives are widely prescribed due to their effectiveness and convenience and have become an integral part of family planning strategies worldwide. In the United States, approximately 65% of reproductive-aged women are estimated to be using contraceptive options, with approximately 33% using one or a combination of hormonal contraceptives. While these methods have undeniably contributed to improved reproductive health, recent studies have raised concerns regarding their potential effect on metabolic health. Despite widespread anecdotal reports, epidemiological research has been mixed as to whether hormonal contraceptives contribute to metabolic health effects. As such, the goals of this study were to assess the adipogenic activity of common hormonal contraceptive chemicals and their mixtures. Five different models of adipogenesis were used to provide a rigorous assessment of metabolism-disrupting effects. Interestingly, every individual contraceptive (both estrogens and progestins) and each mixture promoted significant adipogenesis (eg, triglyceride accumulation and/or preadipocyte proliferation). These effects appeared to be mediated in part through estrogen receptor signaling, particularly for the contraceptive mixtures, as cotreatment with fulvestrant acted to inhibit contraceptive-mediated proadipogenic effects on triglyceride accumulation. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between hormonal contraceptives and adipocyte development. The results suggest that both progestins and estrogens within these contraceptives can influence adipogenesis, and the specific effects may vary based on the receptor disruption profiles. Further research is warranted to establish translation of these findings to in vivo models and to further assess causal mechanisms underlying these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intense period of human population expansion over the past 250 years is about to cease. Total fertility rates are falling dramatically all over the world such that highly industrialized nations, including China and the tiger economies of SE Asia, will see their populations decline significantly in the coming decades. The socioeconomic, geopolitical and environmental ramifications of this change are considerable and invite a multidisciplinary consideration of the underlying mechanisms. In the short-term, socioeconomic factors, particularly urbanization and delayed childbearing are powerful drivers of reduced fertility. In parallel, lifestyle factors such as obesity and the presence of numerous reproductive toxicants in the environment, including air-borne pollutants, nanoplastics and electromagnetic radiation, are seriously compromising reproductive health. In the longer term, it is hypothesized that the reduction in family size that accompanies the demographic transition will decrease selection pressure on high fertility genes leading to a progressive loss of human fecundity. Paradoxically, the uptake of assisted reproductive technologies at scale, may also contribute to such fecundity loss by encouraging the retention of poor fertility genotypes within the population. Since the decline in fertility rate that accompanies the demographic transition appears to be ubiquitous, the public health implications for our species are potentially devastating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unintended pregnancy and unmet contraceptive needs pose significant public health challenges, particularly in developing nations, where they contribute to maternal health risks. While previous research has explored determinants of unintended pregnancies, there remains a gap in understanding the association between unplanned pregnancies and unmet contraceptive needs among Ugandan women of reproductive age. This study aimed to assess unmet contraceptive needs and their correlation with unintended pregnancies and other factors in Uganda, utilizing a nationally representative sample. Methods: Data was extracted from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS), a cross-sectional survey conducted in the latter half of 2016. The study encompassed 18,506 women aged 15–49 with a history of at least one prior pregnancy. The primary outcome variable was the planning status of the most recent pregnancy, while the principal independent variable was unmet contraceptive need. Additional variables were controlled in the analysis. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 17, involving descriptive analysis, cross-tabulation, chi-square testing, and logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A substantial proportion of women reported unintended pregnancies (44.5%), with approximately 21.09% experiencing an unmet need for contraception. In the adjusted model, women with unmet contraceptive needs had 3.97 times higher odds of unintended pregnancy (95% CI = 3.61–4.37) compared to those with met contraceptive needs. Significant factors linked to unintended pregnancies included women's age, place of residence, household wealth status, decision-making authority regarding contraceptive use, educational attainment, husband's occupation, and educational level. Conclusion: This study revealed that both the rate of unintended pregnancies and unmet contraceptive needs in Uganda exceeded the global average, warranting urgent policy attention. Addressing unmet contraceptive needs emerges as a potential strategy to curtail unintended pregnancies. Further qualitative research may be necessary to elucidate the sociocultural and behavioral determinants of unwanted pregnancies, facilitating context-specific interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present cross-sectional study, the researchers aimed to assess the contraceptive knowledge, practice, and associated factors among 2228 women in Puducherry, India. National Family Health Survey questionnaire was adopted for data collection and about 1924 women participated. Current use of any contraceptive was 78.6% and female sterilization was 62%. The majority (99.8%) knew female sterilization, but below average for other contraceptive methods. About 10.4% were aware of more than three contraceptive methods. Age group, homemaker, with children or one son, aware of less than three methods, residing nearby to health facility were associated with the higher practice of contraceptive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of male hormonal contraceptives (MHCs) is underway, and they may be available soon. Gender norms in family planning and predictors of use of MHCs need to be considered when addressing MHC promotion and adherence strategies. An evaluation of the acceptability factors of MHC methods in the population is carried out from a gender perspective. A systematic review following the PRISMA 2009 checklist has been performed. Articles indexed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CUIDEN databases were included. Twenty-nine original articles were evaluated. Most evidence comes from Europe and North America. There is a high acceptability of MHCs in both sexes (reaching more than 70%). There are differences between countries and cultures. The main factors influencing willingness to use MHCs are: side effects; route of administration (MHC pill preferred by most men and injections by most women); frequency of administration (influenced by the previous factors); level of education and health behaviours; religion; perception of shared responsibility; perception of masculinity; and impaired sexual function/desire. Efficacy has not been sufficiently explored. Gender-dependent attitudes towards contraceptive responsibility need to be further explored, so that policies that favour equal reproductive rights can be formulated once MHCs are marketed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People's preferences regarding how they want to obtain contraception should be considered when building and refining high-quality contraceptive care programs, especially in light of recent shifts to incorporate more telehealth options into contraceptive care due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Our study is a cross-sectional analysis of population-representative surveys conducted between November 2019 and August 2020 among women aged 18–44 years in Arizona (N = 885), New Jersey (N = 952), and Wisconsin (N = 967). We use multivariable logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with each of five contraception source preference groups (in-person via health care provider, offsite with a provider via telemedicine, offsite without a provider via telehealth, at a pharmacy, or via innovative strategies), and we examine associations between contraceptive care experiences and perceptions and each preference group. Results: Across states, most respondents (73%) expressed preferences for obtaining contraception via more than one source. One quarter indicated a narrow preference for obtaining contraception in-person from a provider, 19% expressed interest in doing so offsite with a provider via telemedicine, 64% for doing so offsite without a provider via telehealth, 71% reported interest in pharmacy-based contraception, and 25% indicated interest in getting contraception through innovative strategies. Those who had experienced nonperson-centered contraceptive counseling reported higher levels of interest in telehealth and innovative sources, and those who expressed mistrust in the contraceptive care system had higher levels of preferring to obtain contraception offsite, via telemedicine, telehealth, and other innovative avenues. Conclusions: Policies that ensure access to a diversity of contraceptive sources, which acknowledge and address people's past experiences of contraceptive care, have the greatest likelihood of closing the gap between people's contraceptive access preferences and realities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Countries in the Arabian Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, deserve special attention due to the scarcity of information researched and discussed on Maternal and Child Health (MCH). This report focuses on trends in women of reproductive age, children ever born, live births, child mortality, contraception, age at marriage, and fertility rates. Method: Data from various censuses conducted from 1992 to 2010 and demographic surveys conducted from 2000 to 2017 were used in this analysis. Results and discussion: Over time period, the female population increased in Saudi Arabia. However, the proportion of children, ever-married women, children ever-born, and live births decreased as did child mortality. These changes in maternal and child health dimensions are owing to reforms in the health sector, including health infrastructure, in accordance with the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Conclusions: A comparatively higher quality of MCH was reported. However, demands and challenges of obstetric, gynecologic, and pediatric care are increasing, thus, strengthening and streamlining in accordance with fertility trends, marital patterns, and child health care is essential, for which primary data collection at regular intervals is a prerequisite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuing conflict situation in Nigeria have created over 2 million displaced persons. In 2019, women and children accounted for about 80% of the internally displaced population in the country. Displacement increases the need for reproductive health services. This study explored the reasons for non-use of modern contraceptives among forcibly displaced Bakassi women in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria. Focus group discussions were used to collect data from a convenience sample of 40 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in two makeshift resettlement camps in the region in January and February 2020. Data were analysed using a qualitative inductive approach, with thematic organization and analysis of the transcribed responses from the focus group discussions. The findings revealed that many of the women were not using modern contraceptives at the time of the study, and the major reasons they gave for non-use were misconceptions, costs, religious beliefs, desire for more children and the inaccessibility and unavailability of contraceptive services. The use of family planning services can be a life-saving intervention in unstable, crisis environments. Programme implementation to address non-use of contraceptive services among women in crisis contexts should target social norm change, reproductive health education, empowerment programmes and health service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advocacy for equity in health service utilization and access, including Family Planning (FP) continues to be a cornerstone in increasing universal health coverage. Inequities in Family planning are highlighted by the differences in reproductive health outcomes or in the distribution of resources among different population groups. In this study we examine inequities in use of modern contraceptives with respect to Socio-economic and Education dimensions in seven sub-regions in Uganda. Methods: The data were obtained from a baseline cross-sectional study in seven statistical regions where a program entitled "Reducing High Fertility Rates and Improving Sexual Reproductive Health Outcomes in Uganda, (RISE)" is implemented in Uganda. There was a total of 3,607 respondents, half of whom were women of reproductive age (15-49 years) and the other half men (18-54 years). Equity in family planning utilization was assessed by geography, wealth/economic and social-demographics. The use of modern family planning was measured as; using or not using modern FP. Concentration indices were used to measure the degree of Inequality in the use of modern contraceptives. Prevalence Ratios to compare use of modern FP were computed using modified Poisson regression run in STATA V15. Results: Three-quarters (75.6%) of the participants in rural areas were married compared to only 63% in the urban. Overall use of modern contraceptives was 34.2% [CI:30.9, 37.6], without significant variation by rural/urban settings. Women in the higher socio-economic status (SES) were more advantaged in use of modern contraceptives compared to lower SES women. The overall Erreygers Concentration Index, as a measure of inequity, was 0.172, p<0.001. Overall, inequity in use of modern contraceptives by education was highest in favor of women with higher education (ECI=0.146, p=0.0001), and the concentration of use of modern contraceptives in women with higher education was significant in the rural but not urban areas Conclusion: Inequities in the use of modern contraceptives still exist in favor of women with more education or higher socio-economic status, mainly in the rural settings. Focused programmatic interventions in rural settings should be delivered if universal Family Planning uptake is to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem is the property of Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: A lack of clarity exists regarding contraceptive uptake and counselling among women with cancer, despite these women having unique family planning needs. This study aimed to systematically review the available literature and produce an overall summary estimate of contraceptive use and counselling among women with cancer across the cancer care continuum. Methods: A systematic search of articles reporting on contraceptive counselling and/or contraceptive use among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) with cancer across the cancer care continuum (e.g. diagnosis, treatment, survivorship) was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Maternity and Infant Care and Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers conducted the data screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Qualitative synthesis and meta-analyses were conducted to summarise the key findings. Results: We included 21 articles involving 3835 participants in this review. Studies varied according to the cancer population and time along the cancer care continuum it was assessed. Of the studies that reported the overall contraceptive prevalence among women diagnosed with cancer (n = 8), contraceptive use ranged from 25 to 92%. Of the four studies that focused on cancer survivors, the contraceptive prevalence ranged from 47 to 84%. When the prevalence of these studies was pooled, a crude summary prevalence of 64% (62% among women with cancer versus 68% among cancer survivors) was found. The rate of contraceptive counselling was assessed in ten studies. A pooled prevalence of 50% (44% among women with cancer versus 58% among cancer survivors) was found, with the prevalence ranging from 12 to 78% among individual studies depending on the point in the cancer care continuum that it was provided. When contraceptive counselling was provided, it was found to significantly increase contraceptive use although biases were identified in its application. Conclusions: Contraceptive counselling interventions as part of standard cancer care have the potential to not only empower women with cancer and cancer survivors to make informed choices regarding their reproductive health but also provide the ability to plan future pregnancies for times of better health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's socioeconomic position has a significant effect on health services use. With the nature of the socioeconomic empowerment process in relation to improvements in sexual and reproductive health, population-based contraceptive use is key to determining the growth in the human development index of every country. We looked into the effects of women's socioeconomic position on modern approaches to birth control in sub-Saharan African (SSA) women of childbearing age. A sample of 496,082 respondents was analyzed from 2006–2021 Demographic and Health Surveys data. From the analysis, Southern SSA (46.0%), Eastern SSA (27.0%), Central SSA (16.0%), and Western SSA (15.0%) have decreasing prevalence of any modern methods of contraceptive uptake among all women. Similarly, Southern SSA (57.0%), Eastern SSA (37.0%), Western SSA (16.0%), and Central SSA (14.0%) have decreasing prevalence of married women currently using any modern methods of contraception. Furthermore, Southern SSA (76.0%), Eastern SSA (56.0%), Western SSA (36.0%), and Central SSA (26.0%) have decreasing prevalence of demand for family planning satisfied by modern contraceptives. While Southern SSA reported a total fertility rate of 3.0%, other sub-regions have a pooled rate of 5.0%. Our results indicated that increasing women's socioeconomic position can increase contraceptive use and, thus, maternal healthcare service utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, improvements in Ethiopia's socio-economic context, the prioritization of health and development in the national agenda, and ambitious national health and development policies and programmes have contributed to improvements in the living standards and well-being of the population as a whole including adolescents. Improvements have occurred in a number of health outcomes, for example reduction in levels of harmful practices i.e., in child marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), reduction in adolescent childbearing, increase in positive health behaviours, for example adolescent contraceptive use, and maternal health care service use. However, this progress has been uneven. As we look to the next 10 years, Ethiopia must build on the progress made, and move ahead understanding and overcoming challenges and making full use of opportunities by (i) recommitting to strong political support for ASRHR policies and programmes and to sustaining this support in the next stage of policy and strategy development (ii) strengthening investment in and financing of interventions to meet the SRH needs of adolescents (iii) ensuring laws and policies are appropriately communicated, applied and monitored (iv) ensuring strategies are evidence-based and extend the availability of age-disaggregated data on SRHR, and that implementation of these strategies is managed well (v) enabling meaningful youth engagement by institutionalizing adolescent participation as an essential element of all programmes intended to benefit adolescents, and (vi) consolidating gains in the area of SRH while strategically broadening other areas without diluting the ASRHR focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bali Province has the lowest unmet need achievement, namely 8.1%, meaning that it has a lowvalue gap between the availability of contraceptive services and the needs of the community. This study analyzed the factors that influence the incidence of unintended pregnancy among childbearing-age women in Bali. This research is a secondary data analysis from the Program Performance and Accountability Survey (PPAS) of the National Population and Family Planning Board in 2019. The variables studied were selected from the PPAS's Women data, with 1,214 samples of married fertile women aged 15-59 years in Bali. Multivariate analysis in the form of a logistic regression test is carried out to estimate factors that affect unintended pregnancy incidence in childbearing-age women in Bali. Factors influencing unintended pregnancy are age and having heard of family planning, understanding birth control, understanding population issues, and having listened to adolescent reproductive health. The multivariate analysis shown that age and having heard of family planning are two factors that significantly influence unintended pregnancy. Two factors that influence unintended pregnancy in Bali are age and having heard about family planning. Therefore, cross-sector engagement is required to provide a family planning program to the targeted fertile women's age found in this research to improve women's exposure to the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women are at higher risk of death during disasters due to physical, biological, psychological, and cultural differences. After a disaster, they experience more miscarriages, premature births, inadequate fetal growth, low birth weight, sexual violence, and unwanted pregnancies. This study aims to investigate the reproductive health status of women affected by the 2017 earthquake in Kermanshah, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. The study population consists of women aged 15-49 years (Mean age=31.7 years) living in Sarpol-e Zahab, Javanrood, and Thalas Babajani towns in Kermanshah city affected by the earthquake in 2017. The questionnaire used for assessing the status of reproductive health in women was the Reproductive Health Assessment Questionnaire for Women of Reproductive Age, which has already been localized in Iran and its reliability and validity have been confirmed. Native Kurdish language experts completed the questionnaires on behalf of 396 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the variables. Results: It was found that 42.4% of women complained of abnormal menstruation and 34.09% of limited menstrual hygiene materials. Sixty women were pregnant at the time of the earthquake, all of whom gave birth in hospital; two had miscarriages, two had premature births, and one had stillbirth. Urinary tract infection was the most common problem (21%) in pregnant women. Moreover, 48% of women used contraceptive methods after the earthquake, the most commonly used method was the use of contraceptive pills (23%). Access to contraception methods was difficult for 14.4% of them after the earthquake. Furthermore, 25% had experienced violence after the earthquake; of these, 30 reported physical violence, 86 verbal violence, and 13 sexual violence. Conclusion: The control of pregnancy and safe delivery in earthquake-affected areas of Kermanshah is relatively acceptable; however, the provision of reproductive health services seems to be challenging. It is recommended to pay attention to the menstrual hygiene of women and regular distribution of contraceptives (despite the current population growth plan), address sexual acts of violence, and develop a protocol to support the victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Increasing access to family planning helps to ensure the reproductive right, decrease unintended pregnancy, improve the health and nutritional status of children, reduction of maternal mortality, and enhance longer birth spacing. However, there is continually low utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods among low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPMs) and associated factors among women of reproductive age in the West Guji Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 507 women of reproductive age in the West Guji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia from April 15 to May 15, 2018. Data were collected by a structured, pretested, and interview-based questionnaire with open ended and closed ended questionnaire, then entered, and analyzed by SPSS Version 20. Bivariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. A 95% confidence interval (CI) AND P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistically significant variables. Result: The current utilization of LAPMs at West Guji zone among the reproductive-aged group was found to be 51.1%. More than the median of participants had negative altitude (72.4%) and poor knowledge (57%) towards the LAPMs. Educational status of women, the number of alive children, acceptance of utilization of LAPMs, how treated by other staff, and waiting time during service delivery are significant determinant factors of LAPMs. Conclusion: Overall, more than half of women had a negative attitude and poor knowledge of LAPMs. Educational status of women, the number of alive children, acceptance of utilization of LAPMs, how treated by other staff, and waiting time during service delivery were factors affecting utilization of LAPMs. Therefore, sustained, and appropriate information on LAPMs should be provided to raise knowledge and build the attitude of women and the community. Treating the clients with respect, reducing the waiting time, and collaborative work with health extension worker will enhance utilization of LAPMs. Plain language summary: Low utilization of LAPMs has been continually reported in low- and middle-income countries. Unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion might be related with unmet need of contraceptive. This study aimed to assess level of utilization of LAPMs among reproductive aged women in West Guji Zone Ethiopia. The findings from this research will help different stake holder by providing the level of current utilization of LAPMs and help them on planning how to strength the utilization by refereeing the associated factors. 507 Respondents were selected systematically: of which 51.1% of them utilize one of LAPMs currently. In conclusion the utilization may be affected by educational status of women, number of alive children, acceptance LAPMs by women, how treated by other staff during service delivery, and waiting time to get the service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modern contraceptive method is a product or medical procedure that interferes with reproduction from acts of sexual intercourse. Globally in 2019, 44% of women of reproductive age were using a modern method of contraception but it was 29% in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the main aim of this analysis was to assess the prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among married women in Ethiopia. Method: The current study used the 2019 Ethiopia mini demographic and health survey dataset. Both descriptive and multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis were done using STATA version 14. A p-value of less than 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were used to report statistically significant factors with modern contraceptive utilization. Result: The overall modern contraceptive utilization among married women in Ethiopia was 38.7% (95% CI: 37.3% to 40.0%). Among the modern contraceptive methods, injectables were the most widely utilized modern contraceptive method (22.82%) followed by implants (9.65%) and pills (2.71%). Maternal age, educational level, wealth index, number of living children, number of births in the last three years, number of under 5 children in the household, religion, and geographic region were independent predictors of modern contraceptive utilization. Conclusion: In the current study only four out of ten married non-pregnant women of reproductive age utilized modern contraceptive methods. Furthermore, the study has identified both individual and community-level factors that can affect the utilization of modern contraceptive methods by married women in the country. Therefore, concerned bodies need to improve access to reproductive health services, empower women through community-based approaches, and minimize region wise discrepancy to optimize the utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: State medicaid programs provide access to effective contraception for people with lower incomes. This study examined contraception use and pregnancy among reproductive-age women enrolled in the South Carolina Medicaid, by eligibility program and socio-demographic sub-groups. Methods: A retrospective cohort of women aged 15–45 who were newly eligible for South Carolina Medicaid from 2012 to 2016 was examined. Log-binomial regression and average marginal effects assessed relationships between contraception use and pregnancies ending in live and non-live births. Contraception was categorized as permanent, long acting reversible contraception (LARC), short-acting hormonal contraception (SAC), or no contraceptive claims. Women with family planning or full-benefit medicaid coverage were included. Results: Approximately 11% of women used LARC methods, 41% used SAC methods, and 46% had no evidence of contraceptive claims. Method utilization varied by eligibility program, race/ethnicity and age. The likelihood of pregnancy was lower among SAC users and lowest among LARC users compared to women with no evidence of contraception across all three programs (family planning APR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.41–0.49 and APR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.10–0.17; Low income families APR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.77–0.88 and APR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.28–0.38; Partners for Healthy Children APR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.68–0.77 and APR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.30–0.43, respectively). Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic teens were less likely to experience a pregnancy than non-Hispanic white teens. Conclusions for Practice: The likelihood of pregnancy was lower among women using SAC methods and markedly lower among women using LARC. Variation in contraceptive use among racial/ethnic groups was noted despite Medicaid coverage. As new policies and initiatives emerge, these findings provide important context for understanding the role of Medicaid programs in reducing financial barriers to contraceptive services and ensuring access to effective contraception, while fostering reproductive health autonomy among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia introduced 'lockdown' measures to control COVID-19 on 22 March 2020 which continued for a period of two months. We aimed to investigate the impact this had on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Australians aged 18+ were eligible to participate in an online survey from 23 April to 11 May 2020. We report on the experiences of 518 female participants aged <50 years. Pregnancy intentions and contraceptive use were analysed using descriptive statistics. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to investigate difficulty accessing SRH products and services. Qualitative data were analysed using conventional content analysis. Most participants were aged 18–24 years, and indicated they were trying to avoid pregnancy. The oral contraceptive pill was the most common single method used however nearly 20% reported they were not using contraception. Women who were employed had less trouble accessing contraception during lockdown. Participants reported delaying childbearing or deciding to remain childfree due to COVID-19. COVID-19 lockdown impacted the SRH of Australian women. Findings highlight the importance of continued access to SRH services and products during global emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree to which reproductive health issues are discussed with women of child‐bearing age on an inpatient psychiatric unit. We hypothesized that preconception care is limited, and that contraceptive status of patients is rarely elicited. For this sub‐analysis, we focused on counseling related to potential impacts of psychotropic medications on pregnancy, and on contraceptive status, especially when prescribed teratogenic medications. Methods: A retrospective search was conducted for women between the ages of 18 to 49 years at the time of admission, over a 6‐month period. One hundred and forty‐eight unique encounters were identified, and electronic charts were reviewed for information regarding: discharge medications, medication counseling, contraceptive use, pregnancy and relationship status, pregnancy history, nature of obstetrics and gynecology consults, substance use, and diagnoses. Results: Almost a fifth (n = 29) of encounters included discharge on at least one potentially teratogenic medication and more than 50% had recent substance use. However, less than 10% of all encounters had documentation of contraceptive status and only one case had documented discussion of reproductive effects of medication; this despite the fact that roughly one third (33.8%) had at least one documented prior pregnancy and two patients were pregnant at the time of admission. Conclusion: Few women of reproductive age admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit had chart‐documented counseling on reproductive health, including known side effects of teratogenic medications. This indicates an urgent need for inclusion of reproductive health, including counseling on the risks and benefits of taking psychotropics during the peripartum period, into inpatient mental health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Unintended pregnancy disproportionately affects marginalized populations and has significant negative health and financial impacts on women, their families, and society. The emergency department (ED) is a promising alternative setting to increase access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services including contraception, especially among marginalized populations. The primary objective of this study was to determine the extent to which adult women of childbearing age who present to the ED would be receptive to receiving contraception and/or information about contraception in the ED. As a secondary objective, we sought to identify the barriers faced in attempting to obtain SRH care in the past. Methods: We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional, assisted, in-person survey of women aged 18-50 in the ED setting at two large, urban, academic EDs between June 2018-- September 2019. The survey was approved by the institutional review board. Survey items included demographics, interest in contraception initiation and/or receiving information about contraception in the ED, desire to conceive, prior SRH care utilization, and barriers to SRH. Results: A total of 505 patients participated in the survey. Participants were predominantly single and Black, with a mean age of 31 years, and reporting not wanting to become pregnant in the next year. Of those participants, 55.2% (n = 279) stated they would be interested in receiving information about birth control AND receiving birth control in the ED if it were available. Of those who reported the ability to get pregnant, and not desiring pregnancy in the next year (n = 279, 55.2%), 32.6% were not currently using anything to prevent pregnancy (n = 91). Only 10.5% of participants stated they had experienced barriers to SRH care in the past (n = 53). Participants who experienced barriers to SRH reported higher interest in receiving information and birth control in the ED (74%, n = 39) compared to those who had not experienced barriers (53%, n = 240); (P = 0.004, 95% confidence interval, 1.30-4.66). Conclusion: The majority of women of childbearing age indicated the desire to access contraception services in the ED setting. This finding suggests favorable patient acceptability for an implementation study of contraception services in emergency care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Persistent challenges in meeting reproductive health and family planning goals underscore the value in determining what factors can be leveraged to facilitate modern contraceptive use, especially in poor access settings. In Mali, where only 15% of reproductive-aged women use modern contraception, understanding how women's realities and health system design influence contraceptive use helps to inform strategies to achieve the nation's target of 30% by 2023. Methods: Using household survey data from the baseline round of a cluster-randomized trial, including precise geolocation data from all households and public sector primary health facilities, we used a multilevel model to assess influences at the individual, household, community, and health system levels on women's modern contraceptive use. In a three-level, mixed-effects logistic regression, we included measures of women's decision-making and mobility, as well as socio-economic sources of empowerment (education, paid labor), intrahousehold influences in the form of a co-residing user, and structural factors related to the health system, including distance to facility. Results: Less than 5% of the 14,032 women of reproductive age in our study used a modern method of contraception at the time of the survey. Women who played any role in decision-making, who had any formal education and participated in any paid labor, were more likely to use modern contraception. Women had three times the odds of using modern contraception if they lived in a household with another woman, typically a co-wife, who also used a modern method. Compared to women closest to a primary health center, those who lived between 2 and 5 km were half as likely to use modern contraception, and those between 5 and 10 were a third as likely. Conclusions: Despite chronically poor service availability across our entire study area, some women—even pairings of women in single households—transcended barriers to use modern contraception. When planning and implementing strategies to expand access to contraception, policymakers and practitioners should consider women's empowerment, social networks, and health system design. Accessible and effective health systems should reconsider the conventional approach to community-based service delivery, including distance as a barrier only beyond 5 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low income can lead to limited choice of and access to contraception. We examine whether an unconditional cash transfer (UCT) impacts contraceptive use, including increased satisfaction with and reduced barriers to preferred methods, for individuals with low income. Baby's First Years is a randomized control study of a monthly UCT to families with low incomes. The study enrolled 1000 mothers at the time of childbirth across four US sites in 2018–2019; 400 were randomized to receive a UCT of $333/mo and 600 were randomized to receive $20/mo for the first years of their child's life. We use intent-to-treat analyses to estimate the impact of the cash transfer on contraception use, satisfaction with contraception method, and barriers to using methods of choice. Over 65% of mothers reported using some type of contraception, and three-quarters reported using the method of their choice. We find no impact of the UCT on mothers' choice of, satisfaction with, or barriers to contraception. However, the cash transfer was associated with trends toward using multiple methods and greater use of short-term hormonal methods. We find high levels of satisfaction with current contraceptive use among mothers of young children with low income. Receipt of monthly UCTs did not impact contraception methods, perceived barriers to use, or satisfaction. Yet, 25% were not using the method of their choice, despite the provision of cash, indicating that this cash amount alone may not be sufficient to impact contraceptive use or increase satisfaction. Satisfaction with contraception use among low-income populations may be higher than previously documented. Nevertheless, provision of modest financial resources alone may not sufficiently address access, availability, and satisfaction for individuals with low-incomes of childbearing age. This suggests the importance of exploring how other nonfinancial factors influence reproductive autonomy, including contraceptive use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously incarcerated women have specific gender and physiologic needs that are poorly addressed on community re-entry. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between contraception use and perceived healthcare quality post-incarceration. Additionally, we examine the association between social determinants of health and contraception use post-incarceration. A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study of reproductive-aged women with a history of criminal-justice involvement in three cities (n = 383) was performed. Questions related to demographics, social determinants of health, sexual and reproductive health practices, health services use, and healthcare quality were analyzed. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression examined associations between these variables and contraception utilization among persons recently incarcerated. 35% of the participants used a method to prevent pregnancy. There were no significant differences noted between contraceptive users and non-users in perceived healthcare quality. Participants who were not using a contraceptive method were more likely to lack health insurance and experience food insecurity when compared to contraceptive users. Although there was no difference in perceived healthcare quality between contraceptive users and non-users, significant barriers to contraceptive access on community re-entry exist. More studies are warranted to explore the sexual and reproductive health of previously incarcerated women. • Equitable contraceptive access is important on community re-entry • Social determinants of health significantly impact reproductive healthcare access and autonomy • Formerly incarcerated women have nuanced needs and need specialized environments to address them [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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