Abstract
Background
Despite their efficacy in preventing unintended pregnancies, intrauterine devices
(IUDs) are still relatively underutilized by American women. Although cost of these
methods is clearly a barrier to use, IUDs have had a long and sometimes controversial
history, and earlier versions were removed from the market.
Methods
This study explores the degree to which the length of licensure for providers is related
to their attitudes toward or fears about these methods. Data come from a 2012 survey
of 114 clinicians in Colorado and Iowa, collected as part of two, statewide initiatives
to reduce unintended pregnancy. Providers were asked about service barriers to prescribing
these methods and for which patients they perceived them to be suitable and safe.
Results
The most experienced clinicians were the least concerned about uterine perforation
and history of the Dalkon Shield, but were more likely to fear a lawsuit over complications.
More experienced clinicians were also less approving of Copper T IUDs for all 11 subgroups
of women, including nulliparous women and those with histories of sexually transmitted
infections. They were also less approving of hormonal IUDs for 10 groups of women,
including those with histories of ectopic pregnancies. However, clinicians with the
most recent licensure were more conservative in their approval of single rod implants
than were the providers with the most years since licensure.
Conclusions
This paper explores potential reasons for these findings and suggests trainings to
recognize and overcome these barriers so as to promote consistent and accurate practice
across clinicians, regardless of years of experience.
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Biography
Ashley E. Philliber, MS, has a Master's in Human Services and is an Evaluation Coordinator at Philliber Research Associates. She has worked on a wide variety of programs, including those in unplanned and teen pregnancy prevention, journalism, employment, and community engagement.
Biography
Heather Hirsch, MS, has a Master's of Science in Criminal Justice and is an Evaluation Coordinator at Philliber Research Associates.
Biography
Louis Mortillaro, MA, has a Master's of Arts in Sociology and is support staff at Philliber Research Associates.
Biography
Rita Turner, MS, has a Master's of Science in Educational Administration and is an Analyst at Philliber Research Associates.
Biography
Abigail Arons, MPH, is a Senior Research Associate for the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health and has an Master's in Public Health.
Biography
Susan Philliber, PhD, one of the founders and senior partners of Philliber Research Associates, has more than 30 years of experience in evaluation and basic research. She has her PhD in sociology and demography.
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 3,
2014
Received in revised form:
May 30,
2014
Received:
December 11,
2013
Footnotes
This work was supported by an anonymous foundation. Ashley Philliber had full access to all the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
