Patient navigation in reproductive healthcare.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes evidence about barriers to abortion care pre-Dobbs and post-Dobbs, inequities in abortion access, and approaches to improving access to abortion care with use of patient navigators. RECENT FINDINGS: The Dobbs decision and resulting state-level restrictions exacerbated economic, knowledge, and logistic barriers to abortion care. Abortion funds and emotional support are two main resources to help address these barriers; however, only with coordination can patients and clinics fully benefit from the resources. Patient navigation provides that coordination. Evidence shows it improves reproductive outcomes, is acceptable to patients and providers, and engages community health workers and community-based organizations. SUMMARY: Increasing legal restrictions and barriers to abortion care have motivated advocates to identify effective interventions to facilitate patient-centered and culturally competent care. Navigators have improved postpartum care by increasing attendance, education and helping coordinate overall care. They have improved referrals and access to abortion care in statewide programs.

Update to CDC's U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2016: Revised Recommendations for the Use of Hormonal Contraception Among Women at High Risk for HIV Infection.

CDC's U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) (first published in 2010 and updated in 2016) provides evidence-based guidance for the safe use of contraceptive methods among U.S. women with certain characteristics or medical conditions (1), and is adapted from global guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and kept up to date based on continual review of published literature (2).* CDC recently evaluated the evidence and the updated WHO guidance on the risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition among women using hormonal contraception.† After careful review, CDC adopted the updated WHO guidance for inclusion in the U.S. MEC guidance; this guidance states that the advantages of progestin-only injectable contraceptive use (including depot medroxyprogesterone acetate [DMPA]) by women at high risk for HIV infection outweigh the theoretical or proven risks (U.S. MEC category 2). The guidance also includes an accompanying updated clarification, which states that "there continues to be evidence of a possible increased risk of acquiring HIV among progestin-only injectable users. Uncertainty exists about whether this is due to methodological issues with the evidence or a real biological effect. In many settings, unintended pregnancies and/or pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality are common, and progestin-only injectables are among the few types of methods widely available. Women should not be denied the use of progestin-only injectables because of concerns about the possible increased risk. Women considering progestin-only injectables should be advised about these concerns, about the uncertainty over whether there is a causal relationship, and about how to minimize their risk of acquiring HIV." Recommendations for other hormonal contraceptive methods (including combined hormonal methods, implants, and progestin-only pills) remain the same; there is no restriction for their use among women at high risk for HIV infection (U.S. MEC category 1).

Factors Associated with Hormonal and Intrauterine Contraceptive Use among HIV-Infected Men and Women in Lilongwe, Malawi: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background. Understanding the factors associated with the use of hormonal and intrauterine contraception among HIV-infected men and women may lead to interventions that can help reduce high unintended pregnancy rates. Materials and Methods. This study is a subanalysis of a cross-sectional survey of 289 women and 241 men who were sexually active and HIV-infected and were attending HIV care visits in Lilongwe, Malawi. We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) to evaluate factors associated with hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use for men and women in separate models. Results and Discussion. 39.8% of women and 33.2% of men (p = 0.117) reported that they were using hormonal or intrauterine contraception at last intercourse. Having greater than 3 children was the only factor associated with hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use among men. Among women, younger age, not wanting a pregnancy in 2 years, being with their partner for more than 4 years, and being able to make family planning decisions by themselves were associated with hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use. Conclusions. The men and women in our study population differed in the factors associated with hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use. Understanding these differences may help decrease unmet FP needs among HIV-infected men and women.

Hormonal and intrauterine methods for contraception for women aged 25 years and younger.

BACKGROUND: Women between the ages of 15 and 24 years have high rates of unintended pregnancy; over half of women in this age group want to avoid pregnancy. However, women under age 25 years have higher typical contraceptive failure rates within the first 12 months of use than older women. High discontinuation rates may also be a problem in this population. Concern that adolescents and young women will not find hormonal or intrauterine contraceptives acceptable or effective might deter healthcare providers from recommending these contraceptive methods. OBJECTIVES: To compare the contraceptive failure (pregnancy) rates and to examine the continuation rates for hormonal and intrauterine contraception among young women aged 25 years and younger. SEARCH METHODS: We searched until 4 August 2015 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared hormonal or intrauterine methods of contraception in women aged 25 years and younger. Computerized databases included the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE, CINAHL, and LILACS. We also searched for current trials via ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered RCTs in any language that reported the contraceptive failure rates for hormonal or intrauterine contraceptive methods, when compared with another contraceptive method, for women aged 25 years and younger. The other contraceptive method could have been another intrauterine contraceptive, another hormonal contraceptive or different dose of the same method, or a non-hormonal contraceptive. Treatment duration must have been at least three months. Eligible trials had to include the primary outcome of contraceptive failure rate (pregnancy). The secondary outcome was contraceptive continuation rate. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One author conducted the primary data extraction and entered the information into Review Manager. Another author performed an independent data extraction and verified the initial entry. For dichotomous outcomes, we computed the Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Because of disparate interventions and outcome measures, we did not conduct meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Five trials met the inclusion criteria. The studies included a total of 1503 women, with a mean of 301 participants. The trials compared the following contraceptives: combined oral contraceptive (COC) versus transdermal contraceptive patch, vaginal contraceptive ring, or levonorgestrel intrauterine system 20 µg/day (LNG-IUS 20); LNG-IUS 12 µg/day (LNG-IUS 12) versus LNG-IUS 16 µg/day (LNG-IUS 16); and LNG-IUS 20 versus the copper T380A intrauterine device (IUD). In the trials comparing two different types of methods, the study arms did not differ significantly for contraceptive efficacy or continuation. The sample sizes were small for two of those studies. The only significant outcome was that a COC group had a higher proportion of women who discontinued for 'other personal reasons' compared with the group assigned to the LNG-IUS 20 (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.85), which may have little clinic relevance. The trial comparing LNG-IUS 12 versus LNG-IUS 16 showed similar efficacy over one and three years. In three trials that examined different LNG-IUS, continuation was at least 75% at 6 to 36 months. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We considered the overall quality of evidence to be moderate to low. Limitations were due to trial design or limited reporting. Different doses in the LNG-IUS did not appear to influence efficacy over three years. In another study, continuation of the LNG-IUS appeared at least as high as that for the COC. The current evidence was insufficient to compare efficacy and continuation rates for hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive methods in women aged 25 years and younger.

Prohibiting consent: what are the costs of denying permanent contraception concurrent with abortion care?

OBJECTIVE: Oregon and federal laws prohibit giving informed consent for permanent contraception when presenting for an abortion. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the number of unintended pregnancies associated with this barrier to obtaining concurrent tubal occlusion and abortion, compared with the current policy, which limits women to obtaining interval tubal occlusion after abortion. The secondary objectives were to compare the financial costs, quality-adjusted life years, and the cost-effectiveness of these policies. STUDY DESIGN: We designed a decision-analytic model examining a theoretical population of women who requested tubal occlusion at time of abortion. Model inputs came from the literature. We examined the primary and secondary outcomes stratified by maternal age (>30 and <30 years). A Markov model incorporated the possibility of multiple pregnancies. Sensitivity analyses were performed on all variables and a Monte Carlo simulation was conducted. RESULTS: For every 1000 women age <30 years in Oregon who did not receive requested tubal occlusion at the time of abortion, over 5 years there would be 1274 additional unintended pregnancies and an additional $4,152,373 in direct medical costs. Allowing women to receive tubal occlusion at time of abortion was the dominant strategy. It resulted in both lower costs and greater quality-adjusted life years compared to allowing only interval tubal occlusion after abortion. CONCLUSION: Prohibiting tubal occlusion at time of abortion resulted in an increased incidence of unintended pregnancy and increased public costs.

Geographic Access to Early Pregnancy Loss Management.

Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is common, but patients face barriers to the most effective medication (mifepristone followed by misoprostol) and procedural (uterine aspiration) management options. This cross-sectional geospatial analysis evaluated access in New Mexico to mifepristone and misoprostol and uterine aspiration in emergency departments (comprehensive) and to uterine aspiration anywhere in a hospital (aspiration) for EPL. Access was defined as a 60-minute car commute. We collected data from hospital key informants and public databases and performed logistical regression to evaluate associations between access and rurality, area deprivation, race, and ethnicity. Thirty-five of 42 (83.3%) hospitals responded between October 2020 and August 2021. Two hospitals (5.7%) provided comprehensive management; 24 (68.6%) provided aspiration. Rural and higher deprivation areas had statistically significantly lower adjusted odds ratios for comprehensive management (0.03-0.07 and 0.3-0.4, respectively) and aspiration (0.03-0.06 and 0.1-0.3, respectively) access. Mifepristone and uterine aspiration implementation would address disparate access to EPL treatment.

Trainee Perspectives Regarding the Effect of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court Decision on Obstetrics and Gynecology Training.

Objectives: We aimed to describe obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) trainees' anticipation of how the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (Dobbs) U.S. Supreme Court decision may affect their training. Methods: A REDCap survey of OBGYN residents and fellows in the United States from September 19, 2022, to December 1, 2022, queried trainees' anticipated achievement of relevant Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) training milestones, their concerns about the ability to provide care and concern about legal repercussions during training, and the importance of OBGYN competence in managing certain clinical situations for residency graduates. The primary outcome was an ACGME program trainee feeling uncertain or unable to obtain the highest level queried for a relevant ACGME milestone, including experiencing 20 abortion procedures in residency. Results: We received 469 eligible responses; the primary outcome was endorsed by 157 respondents (33.5%). After correction for confounders, significant predictors of the primary outcome were state environment (aOR = 3.94 for pending abortion restrictions; aOR = 2.71 for current abortion restrictions), trainee type (aOR = 0.21 for fellow vs. resident), and a present or past Ryan Training Program in residency (aOR = 0.55). Although the vast majority of trainees believed managing relevant clinical situations are key to OBGYN competence, 10%-30% of trainees believed they would have to stop providing the standard of care in clinical situations during training. Conclusions: This survey of OBGYN trainees indicates higher uncertainty about achieving ACGME milestones and procedural competency in clinical situations potentially affected by the Dobbs decision in states with legal restrictions on abortion.

Vaginal Bleeding Before 20 Weeks Gestation.

Conditions that often present with vaginal bleeding before 20 weeks are common and can cause morbidity and mortality. Clinically stable patients can choose their management options. Clinically unstable patients require urgent procedural management: uterine aspiration, dilation and evacuation, or surgical removal of an ectopic pregnancy. Septic abortion requires prompt procedural management, intravenous antibiotics, and intravenous fluids. Available data on prognosis with expectant management of pre-viable rupture of membranes in the United States are poor for mothers and fetuses.

Characteristics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Namibia.

BACKGROUND: To describe the epidemiology and possible risk factors for the development of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Namibia. METHODS: Using medical records and patient questionnaires, we conducted a case-control study among patients diagnosed with TB between January 2007 and March 2009. Cases were defined as patients with laboratory-confirmed MDR-TB; controls had laboratory-confirmed drug-susceptible TB or were being treated with WHO Category I or Category II treatment regimens. RESULTS: We enrolled 117 MDR-TB cases and 251 TB controls, of which 100% and 2% were laboratory-confirmed, respectively. Among cases, 97% (113/117) had been treated for TB before the current episode compared with 46% (115/251) of controls (odds ratio [OR] 28.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.3-80.5). Cases were significantly more likely to have been previously hospitalized (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.5) and to have had a household member with MDR-TB (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.1-12.5). These associations remained significant when separately controlled for being currently hospitalized or HIV-infection. CONCLUSIONS: MDR-TB was associated with previous treatment for TB, previous hospitalization, and having had a household member with MDR-TB, suggesting that TB control practices have been inadequate. Strengthening basic TB control practices, including expanding laboratory confirmation, directly observed therapy, and infection control, are critical to the prevention of MDR-TB.

Required examinations and tests before initiating contraception: Provider practices from a national cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE(S): We estimated the prevalence of requiring specific examinations or tests before providing contraception in a nationwide survey of family planning providers. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of public-sector health centers and office-based physicians providing family planning services across the United States in 2019 (n = 1395). We estimated the weighted proportion of providers (or their health center or practice) who required blood pressure measurement, pelvic examination (bimanual examination and cervical inspection), Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, clinical breast examination (CBE), and chlamydia and gonorrhea (CT/GC) screening before initiating hormonal or intrauterine contraception (IUC) for healthy women. We performed multivariable regression to identify factors associated with pelvic examination practices aligned with clinical recommendations; these recommendations classify examinations and tests as recommended or unnecessary before initiation of specific contraceptive methods. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 51%. Most providers required blood pressure measurement before initiating each method. Unnecessary CBE, Pap smears, and CT/GC screening were required by 14% to 33% of providers across methods. Fifty-two to 62% of providers required recommended pelvic examination before IUC placement; however, 16% to 23% of providers required unnecessary pelvic examinations before non-intrauterine hormonal method initiation. Factors associated with recommendation-aligned pelvic examination practices included having a higher proportion of patients using public funding (Medicaid or other assistance) and more recently completing formal clinical training. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half (47%) of providers did not require necessary pelvic examination before placing IUC. Conversely, many providers required unnecessary examinations and tests before contraception initiation for patients. IMPLICATIONS: Most providers required the few recommended examinations and tests for safe contraceptive provision. Reduction of unnecessary examinations and tests may reduce barriers to contraceptive access. There are also opportunities to increase use of recommended examinations, as up to 48% of providers did not require recommended pelvic examination before IUC.

Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence, incidence, risk factors and antibiotic-resistance in an adolescent population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and incidence of trichomoniasis, risk factors for infection, and the prevalence of metronidazole and tinidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) in female adolescents. METHODS: Nonpregnant, HIV-seronegative, sexually active females (13-19 years) visiting an inner city public primary care clinic were tested for T. vaginalis by wet mount and culture, and interviewed about risk-taking behavior every 6 months. Infected patients were treated with a 2 g oral dose of metronidazole. Isolates from positive T. vaginalis cultures were tested for in vitro resistance to metronidazole and tinidazole. RESULTS: Among 467 study participants, 67 (14.4%; 95% confidence interval, 11.3-17.5) were diagnosed with trichomoniasis at first T. vaginalis culture. Significant risk factors for T. vaginalis infection were having an older sex partner and concurrent Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. The incidence was 22.1 cases per 100 person-years. Among 42 participants who had a prevalent infection and returned for followup, 13 (31.0%) had at least 1 more episode of trichomoniasis. Resistance testing was completed for 78 isolates: 37 at first visit and 41 during follow-up. One (2.7%; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-14.2) of the 37 first-visit isolates was moderately resistant to metronidazole (minimal lethal concentration = 200 microg/mL). Of the 41 follow-up visit isolates, 1 was moderately resistant to metronidazole and 2 had borderline resistance (minimal lethal concentration = 50 microg/mL). The prevalence of tinidazole resistance was 0% (0.0%-9.5%). CONCLUSION: The study population had high prevalence and incidence of trichomoniasis. The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant T. vaginalis among female adolescents was low.

Assessment of Contraceptive Needs and Improving Access in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands in the Context of Zika.

Scientific evidence demonstrated a causal relationship between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and neurologic abnormalities and other congenital defects. The U.S. government's Zika Virus Disease Contingency Response Plan recognized the importance of preventing unintended pregnancy through access to high-quality family planning services as a primary strategy to reduce adverse Zika-related birth outcomes during the 2016-2017 Zika virus outbreak. The U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) includes three U.S. territories: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, and three independent countries in free association with the United States: the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Aedes spp. mosquitoes, the primary vector that transmits Zika virus, are common across the Pacific Islands, and in 2016, laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus infection in USAPI were reported. CDC conducted a rapid assessment by reviewing available reproductive health data and discussing access to contraception with family planning providers and program staff in all six USAPI jurisdictions between January and May 2017. In this report, we summarize findings from the assessment; discuss strategies developed by jurisdictions to respond to identified needs; and describe a training that was convened to provide technical assistance to USAPI. Similar rapid assessments may be used to identify training and technical assistance needs in other emergency preparedness and response efforts that pose a risk to pregnant women and their infants.

Traveling for rights: Abortion trends in New Mexico after passage of restrictive Texas legislation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of abortions provided to patients from Texas in New Mexico before and after the 2013 enactment of Texas House Bill 2 (HB2), an omnibus bill of abortion restrictions, and to compare the gestational ages at which Texans presented for abortion in New Mexico before and after HB2. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a chart review of Texas and New Mexico patients obtaining an abortion in New Mexico abortion clinics before HB 2 was signed and implemented (time period 1: January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012) and after HB 2 went into effect (time period 2: May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015). We used random sampling of corresponding 7-day periods (by week number during the one-year sample) to obtain data until we reached the desired sample of at least 300 patients. We compared proportions of individuals from Texas obtaining abortions and the gestational age at which they presented in the two time periods. RESULTS: We abstracted data from 350 and 300 Texas and New Mexico patients, respectively. The proportion of procedures provided to women from Texas increased from 10 (3%) pre-HB2 to 43 (14%) post-HB2 (p < 0.0001). The proportion of procedures in Texas patients at 13 to ≤24 weeks increased from 1 of 29 (3%) pre-HB2 to 10 of 38 (26%) post-HB2 (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The proportion of Texans scheduling abortions in New Mexico within the first 24 weeks of gestation increased after passage of HB2. Restrictive legislation may force more people to travel across state lines to obtain abortion care. IMPLICATIONS: Patients residing in Texas and seeking abortion care in Texas experienced barriers to abortion care, likely related to restrictions imposed by HB2.

A Comparison of Breastfeeding Exclusivity and Duration Rates Between Immediate Postpartum Levonorgestrel Versus Etonogestrel Implant Users: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares breastfeeding outcomes after immediate postpartum initiation of single-rod etonogestrel (ENG) versus two-rod levonorgestrel (LNG) contraceptive implants. Outcomes assessed include the following: (1) breastfeeding continuation through 24 months after delivery and (2) exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months after delivery, at Kasungu District Hospital, Malawi. METHODS: We used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to compare breastfeeding continuation through 24 months and exclusive breastfeeding through 6 months after delivery for ENG versus LNG implant users. We described infant feeding practices up to 6 months after delivery. RESULTS: We analyzed 140 women: 28 (20%) ENG and 112 (80%) LNG impalnt users. Eighty-seven percent (n = 122) of women completed the 24-month study visit. Twenty-four months breastfeeding continuation proportions were 54.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 32.7-71.4) and 74.7% (95% CI = 64.9-82.2) for ENG and LNG implant users, respectively (p = 0.10). Breastfeeding continuation was high in both groups at 21 months: 100% and 93.2% (95% CI = 86.2-96.7) for ENG and LNG implant users, respectively (p = 0.18). Seventy-one percent (20/28, 95% CI = 51.0-84.6) of ENG and 72% (78/108, 95% CI = 62.4-79.7) of LNG implant users exclusively breastfed their infants until 6 months postpartum (p = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Continuation of breastfeeding until 24 months and exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months were high among users of both types of progestin implant initiated immediately postpartum and similar to proportions among the general population of postpartum women in the Central region of Malawi.

Community Perspectives on Contraception in the Context of the Zika Virus in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Implications for Communication and Messaging.

BACKGROUND: Between January and October 2016, 575 symptomatic confirmed cases of Zika virus infection were reported in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Preventing unintended pregnancy among women who choose to delay or avoid pregnancy is a primary strategy to reduce these adverse outcomes. METHODS: A rapid assessment, using one men's and five women's focus groups (N = 43), was conducted to inform communication efforts to increase awareness of contraception as a means for preventing unintended pregnancy in the context of a Zika outbreak in the USVI. RESULTS: Findings showed that people of reproductive age were aware of the relationship between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. However, when discussing methods for prevention, participants did not include preventing unintended pregnancy as a strategy to reduce these adverse outcomes. When asked about family planning in the USVI, participants discussed that, for some, planning pregnancies is not common. Participants wanted communications about contraception to include available methods, side effects, costs, and safety. Optimal communication channels included social media and local spokespersons. Participants identified health care providers as a trusted information source. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this assessment informed the design of a culturally appropriate communication strategy to raise awareness of the prevention of unintended pregnancy as a primary strategy to reduce Zika-related adverse birth outcomes in the USVI.

Abortion Surveillance - United States, 2014.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: Since 1969, CDC has conducted abortion surveillance to document the number and characteristics of women obtaining legal induced abortions in the United States. PERIOD COVERED: 2014. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: Each year, CDC requests abortion data from the central health agencies of 52 reporting areas (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City). The reporting areas provide this information voluntarily. For 2014, data were received from 49 reporting areas. For trend analysis, abortion data were evaluated from 48 areas that reported data every year during 2005-2014. Census and natality data, respectively, were used to calculate abortion rates (number of abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years) and ratios (number of abortions per 1,000 live births). RESULTS: A total of 652,639 abortions were reported to CDC for 2014. Of these abortions, 98.4% were from the 48 reporting areas that provided data every year during 2005-2014. Among these 48 reporting areas, the abortion rate for 2014 was 12.1 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years, and the abortion ratio was 193 abortions per 1,000 live births. From 2013 to 2014, the total number and rate of reported abortions decreased 2%, and the ratio decreased 3%. From 2005 to 2014, the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions decreased 21%, 22%, and 18%, respectively. In 2014, all three measures reached their lowest level for the entire period of analysis (2005-2014). In 2014 and throughout the period of analysis, women in their 20s accounted for the majority of abortions and had the highest abortion rates; women in their 30s and older accounted for a much smaller percentage of abortions and had lower abortion rates. In 2014, women aged 20-24 and 25-29 years accounted for 32.2% and 26.7% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 21.3 and 18.4 abortions per 1,000 women aged 20-24 and 25-29 years, respectively. In contrast, women aged 30-34, 35-39, and ≥40 years accounted for 17.1%, 9.7%, and 3.6% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 11.9, 7.2, and 2.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 30-34 years, 35-39 years, and ≥40 years, respectively. From 2005 to 2014, the abortion rate decreased among women aged 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, and 35-39 years by 27%, 16%, 12%, and 5%, respectively, but increased 4% among women aged ≥40 years. In 2014, adolescents aged <15 and 15-19 years accounted for 0.3% and 10.4% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 0.5 and 7.5 abortions per 1,000 adolescents aged <15 and 15-19 years, respectively. From 2005 to 2014, the percentage of abortions accounted for by adolescents aged 15-19 years decreased 38%, and their abortion rate decreased 49%. These decreases were greater than the decreases for women in any older age group. In contrast to the percentage distribution of abortions and abortion rates by age, abortion ratios in 2014 and throughout the entire period of analysis were highest among adolescents and lowest among women aged 30-39 years. Abortion ratios decreased from 2005 to 2014 for women in all age groups. In 2014, the majority (64.9%) of abortions were performed at ≤8 weeks' gestation, and nearly all (91.0%) were performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation. Few abortions were performed between 14 and 20 weeks' gestation (7.7%) or at ≥21 weeks' gestation (1.3%). During 2005-2014, the percentage of all abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation remained consistently high (≥90.9%). Among abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation, there was a shift toward earlier gestational ages, as the percentage performed at ≤6 weeks' gestation increased 9%, and the percentage of all other gestational ages at ≤13 weeks' gestation decreased 0%-12%. In 2014, among reporting areas that included medical (nonsurgical) abortion on their reporting form, 22.5% of all abortions were performed by early medical abortion (a nonsurgical abortion at ≤8 weeks' gestation), 66.9% were performed by surgical abortion at ≤13 weeks' gestation, and 9.1% were performed by surgical abortion at >13 weeks' gestation; all other methods were uncommon (<1.5%). Among abortions performed at ≤8 weeks' gestation that were eligible for early medical abortion on the basis of gestational age, 33.3% were completed by this method. In 2014, women with one or more previous live births accounted for 59.5% of abortions, and women with no previous live births accounted for 40.4%. Women with one or more previous induced abortions accounted for 44.9% of abortions, and women with no previous abortion accounted for 55.1%. Women with three or more previous births accounted for 13.8% of abortions, and women with three or more previous abortions accounted for 8.6% of abortions. Deaths of women associated with complications from abortion for 2014 are being assessed as part of CDC's Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System. In 2013, the most recent year for which data were available, four women were identified to have died as a result of complications from legal induced abortion. INTERPRETATION: Among the 48 areas that reported data every year during 2005-2014, the decreases in the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions that occurred during 2010-2013 continued from 2013 to 2014, resulting in historic lows for all three measures of abortion. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: The data in this report can help program planners and policymakers identify groups of women with the highest rates of abortion. Unintended pregnancy is the major contributor to induced abortion. Increasing access to and use of effective contraception can reduce unintended pregnancies and further reduce the number of abortions performed in the United States.

Factors associated with condom use among men and women living with HIV in Lilongwe, Malawi: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the influences on condom use among men and women living with HIV is critical to tailoring sexually transmitted infection/HIV prevention efforts. METHODS: This is a sub-analysis of a cross-sectional survey including 255 women and 220 men who were sexually active, HIV-positive, and attending HIV care visits in Lilongwe, Malawi. We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) to evaluate for factors associated with consistent condom use (always using condoms in the past month) and use at last coitus for men and women in separate models. RESULTS: Among women: 38% and 55% reported consistent condom use and condom use at last coitus, respectively. For women, consistent use and use at last coitus were positively associated with the ability to refuse sex without condoms and shared decision-making compared with making the decision alone regarding condom use, and negatively associated with desire for children in the future. Consistent use also increased with longer antiretroviral therapy (ART) use (≥1 year compared with no ART use). Among men: 51% and 69% reported consistent condom use and condom use at last coitus, respectively. For men, the ability to refuse sex without condoms was associated with consistent use and use at last coitus, and believing that condoms should be used with other contraception was associated with consistent use. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate ongoing low condom utilisation among HIV-positive individuals, and highlight that ART and contraceptive use do not deter condom use. Efforts to increase condom utilisation must recognise individual-level factors that influence use and should focus on relationship dynamics and promotion of empowerment and self-efficacy.

Factors associated with desired fertility among HIV-positive women and men attending two urban clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi.

As access to antiretroviral therapy increases, more HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa may desire fertility. We conducted a cross-sectional study of reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices to identify factors associated with desired fertility among women and men receiving care at two large public HIV clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. Research assistants administered questionnaires to participants. We performed descriptive, bivariable and multivariable analysis of factors related to desired fertility and of factors related to contraceptive non-use among participants who did not desire fertility. One-third of participants desired future children. Having a partner who desired fertility and having lower parity were associated with desiring children among both genders. For women, believing that pregnancy was unhealthy was associated with decreased fertility desire. Fifty-five percent of women and 69% of men who did not want children in the future reported using contraception at last intercourse. Increasing age, lower parity, and making the decision to use contraception herself were associated with contraceptive non-use among women who did not desire fertility. Having discussed family planning with his partner was associated with contraceptive use among men who did not desire fertility. Knowledge of these factors can guide reproductive health counseling and service provision.

Contraception Insurance Coverage and Receipt of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception or Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on the Day of Abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether contraceptive insurance coverage for women who present for an abortion is associated with obtaining long-acting reversible contraception or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on the day the abortion is completed. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of women presenting for medical or surgical abortion at a single health center in North Carolina. Eligible women were 18 years or older and fluent in English or Spanish. Data were from participant questionnaires, medical charts, and financial records. Our main exposure was whether the woman had insurance coverage for contraception at clinic intake. Our primary outcome was receiving DMPA, an intrauterine device, or a contraceptive subdermal implant on the same day of their surgical abortion or at the visit that determined their medication abortion was complete. We used univariable, bivariable, and multivariable analysis to report our findings. RESULTS: Five hundred seventy-five women enrolled in our cohort between September 2015 and April 2016. One hundred twenty-eight (22%) had insurance coverage and 447 (78%) did not. In the group with insurance coverage for contraception, 38% (49/128) received a long-acting reversible contraception method or DMPA compared with 7% (33/447) in the group without insurance coverage for contraception. After adjusting for confounding, women with contraceptive coverage were more than five times as likely to receive immediate postabortion contraception with one of these methods compared with women without coverage (relative risk 5.6, 95% confidence interval 3.8-8.3). CONCLUSION: Women with contraceptive insurance coverage on the day of their abortion were more likely to leave the abortion clinic with an intrauterine device or implant in place or receive DMPA injection compared with women without coverage.

Abortion Surveillance - United States, 2014.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: Since 1969, CDC has conducted abortion surveillance to document the number and characteristics of women obtaining legal induced abortions in the United States. PERIOD COVERED: 2014. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: Each year, CDC requests abortion data from the central health agencies of 52 reporting areas (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City). The reporting areas provide this information voluntarily. For 2014, data were received from 49 reporting areas. For trend analysis, abortion data were evaluated from 48 areas that reported data every year during 2005-2014. Census and natality data, respectively, were used to calculate abortion rates (number of abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years) and ratios (number of abortions per 1,000 live births). RESULTS: A total of 652,639 abortions were reported to CDC for 2014. Of these abortions, 98.4% were from the 48 reporting areas that provided data every year during 2005-2014. Among these 48 reporting areas, the abortion rate for 2014 was 12.1 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years, and the abortion ratio was 186 abortions per 1,000 live births. From 2013 to 2014, the total number and rate of reported abortions decreased 2%, and the ratio decreased 7%. From 2005 to 2014, the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions decreased 21%, 22%, and 21%, respectively. In 2014, all three measures reached their lowest level for the entire period of analysis (2005-2014). In 2014 and throughout the period of analysis, women in their 20s accounted for the majority of abortions and had the highest abortion rates; women in their 30s and older accounted for a much smaller percentage of abortions and had lower abortion rates. In 2014, women aged 20-24 and 25-29 years accounted for 32.2% and 26.7% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 21.3 and 18.4 abortions per 1,000 women aged 20-24 and 25-29 years, respectively. In contrast, women aged 30-34, 35-39, and ≥40 years accounted for 17.1%, 9.7%, and 3.6% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 11.9, 7.2, and 2.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 30-34 years, 35-39 years, and ≥40 years, respectively. From 2005 to 2014, the abortion rate decreased among women aged 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, and 35-39 years by 27%, 16%, 12%, and 5%, respectively, but increased 4% among women aged ≥40 years. In 2014, adolescents aged <15 and 15-19 years accounted for 0.3% and 10.4% of all reported abortions, respectively, and had abortion rates of 0.5 and 7.5 abortions per 1,000 adolescents aged <15 and 15-19 years, respectively. From 2005 to 2014, the percentage of abortions accounted for by adolescents aged 15-19 years decreased 38%, and their abortion rate decreased 49%. These decreases were greater than the decreases for women in any older age group. In contrast to the percentage distribution of abortions and abortion rates by age, abortion ratios in 2014 and throughout the entire period of analysis were highest among adolescents and lowest among women aged 30-39 years. Abortion ratios decreased from 2005 to 2014 for women in all age groups. In 2014, the majority (67.0%) of abortions were performed at ≤8 weeks' gestation, and nearly all (91.5%) were performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation. Few abortions were performed between 14 and 20 weeks' gestation (7.2%) or at ≥21 weeks' gestation (1.3%). During 2005-2014, the percentage of all abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation remained consistently high (≥91.4%). Among abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation, there was a shift toward earlier gestational ages, as the percentage performed at ≤6 weeks' gestation increased 21%, and the percentage of all other gestational ages at ≤13 weeks' gestation decreased 7%-20%. In 2014, among reporting areas that included medical (nonsurgical) abortion on their reporting form, 22.6% of all abortions were performed by early medical abortion (a nonsurgical abortion at ≤8 weeks' gestation), 67.4% were performed by surgical abortion at ≤13 weeks' gestation, and 8.6% were performed by surgical abortion at >13 weeks' gestation; all other methods were uncommon (<2%). Among abortions performed at ≤8 weeks' gestation that were eligible for early medical abortion on the basis of gestational age, 32.2% were completed by this method. In 2014, women with one or more previous live births accounted for 59.5% of abortions, and women with no previous live births accounted for 40.4%. Women with one or more previous induced abortions accounted for 44.9% of abortions, and women with no previous abortion accounted for 55.1%. Women with three or more previous births accounted for 13.8% of abortions, and women with three or more previous abortions accounted for 8.6% of abortions. Deaths of women associated with complications from abortion for 2014 are being assessed as part of CDC's Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System. In 2013, the most recent year for which data were available, four women were identified to have died as a result of complications from legal induced abortion. INTERPRETATION: Among the 48 areas that reported data every year during 2005-2014, the decreases in the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions that occurred during 2010-2013 continued from 2013 to 2014, resulting in historic lows for all three measures of abortion. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: The data in this report can help program planners and policymakers identify groups of women with the highest rates of abortion. Unintended pregnancy is the major contributor to induced abortion. Increasing access to and use of effective contraception can reduce unintended pregnancies and further reduce the number of abortions performed in the United States.