Abstract
Background
There is growing interest in increasing the use of long-acting reversible contraception
(LARC), and suggestions that such methods may serve as an alternative to sterilization.
However, there is little information about whether women who do not want more children
would be interested in using LARC.
Methods
We conducted semistructured interviews with 120 parous Latina women in El Paso, Texas,
who wanted a sterilization but had not obtained one. We assessed women's awareness
of and interest in using the copper intrauterine device (IUD), levonorgestrel intrauterine
system (LNG-IUS), and etonogestrel implant.
Findings
Overall, 51%, 23%, and 47% of women reported they had heard of the copper IUD, LNG-IUS,
and implant, respectively. More women stated they would use the copper IUD (24%) than
the LNG-IUS (14%) or implant (9%). Among women interested in LARC, the most common
reasons were that, relative to their current method, LARC methods were more convenient,
effective, and provided longer-term protection against pregnancy. Those who had reservations
about LARC were primarily concerned with menstrual changes. Women also had concerns
about side effects and the methods' effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, preferring
to use a familiar method.
Conclusions
Although these findings indicate many Latina women in this setting do not consider
LARC an alternative to sterilization, they point to an existing demand among some
who wish to end childbearing. Efforts are needed to improve women's knowledge and
access to a range of methods so they can achieve their childbearing goals.
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Biography
Kari White, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor in Health Care Organization and Policy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research focuses on immigrant women's reproductive health, with an emphasis on contraceptive attitudes and access.
Biography
Kristine Hopkins, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor of Sociology and Faculty Research Associate at the Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on reproductive health issues in Texas, the United States–Mexico border, and Latin America.
Biography
Joseph E. Potter, PhD, is a Professor of Sociology and Faculty Research Associate at the Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin. His work focuses on issues related to population and reproductive health in the United States and Latin America.
Biography
Daniel Grossman, MD, is Vice President for Research at Ibis Reproductive Health. His work focuses on improving access to contraception and safe abortion in the United States, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
May 8,
2013
Received in revised form:
May 7,
2013
Received:
September 24,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
