Access to intrauterine contraceptives in the Southern District Health Board catchment.

Aim: Recent changes in funding have reduced the cost of the highly effective levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LIUS) contraceptives (Mirena and Jaydess). This paper explores equity of access to intrauterine contraceptives for Māori and the general population by locating and surveying all potential providers within the Southern District Health Board catchment area.
Methods: Using online survey, e-mail or phone, we asked if intrauterine contraceptive insertion was provided, what device was provided, cost and number of appointments required. ArcGIS 10.6.1 software was used to estimate population distribution, and to create service areas showing distance to nearest current providers for Māori and the general population.
Results: All 88 potential providers agreed to participate; two thirds (66.3%) provided some intrauterine contraceptive insertion. Approximately three quarters of the Māori and general population live within 5km of a primary provider. Costs ranged from $0 to $270, in addition to the cost of the required consultations. Number of consultations required varied from one to three.
Conclusions: Cost and travel time likely remain barriers to accessing intrauterine contraceptives for a significant population within this catchment. Increasing the capacity for all primary providers to offer insertion, funding the insertion process, minimising the number of appointments required and providing mobile services would improve access.
Competing Interests: Nil.