Uso de método anticonceptivo previo al embarazo, asesoramiento y preferencia posterior en puérperas del Hospital de Clínicas / Use of contraceptive method prior to pregnancy, counseling and subsequent preference in postpartum women at Hospital de Clínicas / Uso de método contraceptivo antes da gravidez, aconselhamento e posterior preferência em puérperas no Hospital de Clínicas

Los derechos sexuales y reproductivos son derechos que todo individuo debe conocer. La planificación familiar se logra mediante la utilización de métodos anticonceptivos. Si bien se ofrece un amplio abanico de estos en el hospital, no todos reciben orientación, siendo el periodo grávido-puerperal una oportunidad única para realizar la consejería en anticoncepción. El objetivo es evaluar el uso de anticonceptivos previo al embarazo, el asesoramiento durante el puerperio y la elección de anticonceptivo posterior en una población de este hospital. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal realizado a partir de encuesta durante el puerperio de las puérperas del Hospital de Clínicas, en el periodo 01/02/2019 a 31/07/2019. Se evaluaron 220 pacientes. 79,5% de los embarazos no fue planificado. Del total de entrevistadas 35,5% no utilizaba método anticonceptivo previo al embarazo y 33% no habían tenido asesoramiento. Previo al embarazo, los anticonceptivos más usados fueron los anticonceptivos orales combinados (64,1%) y 50% refiere un uso no correcto. 81,6% recibió asesoramiento durante le puerperio. Los anticonceptivos que las pacientes refieren haber recibido mayor información durante el puerperio fueron: implante subdérmico (65,8%) y DIU (48%). 44,1% no recibió información de las contraindicaciones y efectos adversos. Los anticonceptivos más elegidos fueron: implante subdérmico (41,4%), ligadura tubaria (21,8%) y DIU (14,5%). La eficacia (60,1%) y facilidad de uso (43,9%) fueron los motivos más frecuentes de elección. La mayoría de los embarazos fueron no planificados y casi una tercera parte no utilizaba método anticonceptivo previo y nunca habían recibido asesoramiento. Durante el puerperio, la mayoría refiere haber sido asesorada en planificación familiar y optado por alguno de los métodos anticonceptivos siendo los más frecuentemente elegidos los métodos reversibles de larga duración por su facilidad de uso y eficacia.

Sexual and reproductive rights are rights that every individual must know. Family planning is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods. Although a wide range of these are offered in the hospital, not all of them receive counseling, and the pregnancy-puerperal period is a unique opportunity to carry out contraception counseling. The objective is to evaluate the use of contraceptives prior to pregnancy, counseling during the puerperium and the choice of later contraception in a population of this hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out based on a survey during the puerperium of the puerperal women of the Hospital de Clínicas, in the period 01/02/2019 to 31/07/2019. 220 patients were evaluated. 79.5% of the pregnancies were unplanned. Of the total interviewed, 35.5% did not use contraception prior to pregnancy and 33% had not had counseling. Before pregnancy, the most used contraceptives were combined oral contraceptives (64.1%) and 50% reported incorrect use. 81.6% received counseling during the puerperium. The contraceptives that the patients reported having received more information during the puerperium were: subdermal implant (65.8%) and IUD (48%). 44.1% did not receive information on contraindications and adverse effects. The most chosen contraceptives were: subdermal implant (41.4%), tubal ligation (21.8%) and IUD (14.5%). Efficacy (60.1%) and ease of use (43.9%) were the most frequent reasons for choice. Most of the pregnancies were unplanned and almost a third were not using prior contraception and had never received counseling. During the puerperium, the majority reported having been counseled on family planning and opted for one of the contraceptive methods, the long-lasting reversible methods being the most frequently chosen for their ease of use and efficacy.

Os direitos sexuais e reprodutivos são direitos que todo indivíduo deve conhecer. O planejamento familiar é realizado por meio do uso de métodos anticoncepcionais. Embora muitos deles sejam oferecidos no hospital, nem todos recebem aconselhamento, e o período gravídico-puerperal é uma oportunidade única para realizar aconselhamento anticoncepcional. O objetivo é avaliar o uso de anticoncepcionais antes da gravidez, o aconselhamento durante o puerpério e a escolha da contracepção posterior em uma população deste hospital. Realizou-se estudo transversal descritivo com base em inquérito no puerpério das puérperas do Hospital de Clínicas, no período de 02/01/2019 a 31/07/2019. 220 pacientes foram avaliados. 79,5% das gestações não foram planejadas. Do total de entrevistadas, 35,5% não usavam anticoncepcionais antes da gravidez e 33% não haviam feito aconselhamento. Antes da gravidez, os anticoncepcionais mais usados eram os anticoncepcionais orais combinados (64,1%) e 50% relataram o uso incorreto. 81,6% receberam aconselhamento durante o puerpério. Os contraceptivos que as pacientes relataram ter recebido mais informações durante o puerpério foram: implante subdérmico (65,8%) e DIU (48%). 44,1% não receberam informações sobre contra-indicações e efeitos adversos. Os anticoncepcionais mais escolhidos foram: implante subdérmico (41,4%), laqueadura (21,8%) e DIU (14,5%). Eficácia (60,1%) e facilidade de uso (43,9%) foram os motivos de escolha mais frequentes. A maioria das gestações não foi planejada e quase um terço não estava usando anticoncepcionais anteriores e nunca havia recebido aconselhamento. No puerpério, a maioria relatou ter sido orientada sobre planejamento familiar e optado por um dos métodos contraceptivos, sendo os métodos reversíveis de longa duração os mais escolhidos pela facilidade de uso e eficácia.

Contraception counselling during gynecology visit - does a questionnaire help?

OBJECTIVES: Women are at risk of unplanned pregnancy and inappropriate choice of contraception if not given effective contraception counselling. We aimed to understand the contraceptive needs of women, improve effective contraception counselling promoting modern contraception methods during gynecology outpatient visit using a contraception counselling questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All reproductive-age women over 18 were given Contraception Counselling Project Form to fill in while in the waiting room. The form consisted of 15 questions evaluating patients' characteristics and contraceptive method used. Physicians evaluated these forms during the examination and an appropriate method was chosen. Forms of pregnant, postmenopausal and sexually inactive patients as well as forms with more than one answer missing were excluded. RESULTS: 778 questionnaires were accepted for evaluation. 340 women (43.8%) used modern contraception, 112 (14.4%) used interrupted coitus, 3 (0.4%) used calendar method. 738 women could be given adequate contraception counselling by the physicians. 215 women among 323 women (66.5%) who did not use modern contraception and did not desire pregnancy, were convinced to use modern contraception and 103 (91.9%) among 112 women who used interrupted coitus for contraception were convinced to use modern contraception. There was a significant relationship between age, education, working state, parity, number and type of delivery, previous OCP usage, resources of contraception and the preferred contraception method. CONCLUSIONS: More than half the women preferred to use modern contraception methods by means of contraception counselling questionnaire. Women's backgrounds significantly affected their choice of contraception method.

Shining the light on abortion: Drivers of online abortion searches across the United States in 2018.

CONTEXT: Legal abortion restrictions, stigma and fear can inhibit people's voices in clinical and social settings posing barriers to decision-making and abortion care. The internet allows individuals to make informed decisions privately. We explored what state-level policy dimensions were associated with volume of Google searches on abortion and on the abortion pill in 2018. METHODS: We used Google Trends to quantify the relative search volume (RSV) for "abortion" and "abortion pill" (or "abortion pills" hereafter referred to as "abortion pill") as a proportion of total search volume for all queries in each US state. We also identified the top search queries most related to "abortion" and "abortion pill" and considered these as indicators of population concern. Key exposures were healthcare cost, access and health outcomes, and number of legal restrictions and protections at the state level. In descriptive analyses, we first grouped the states into tertiles according to their RSV on "abortion" and "abortion pill". To examine the association between each exposure (and other covariates) with the two outcomes, we used unadjusted and adjusted linear regression. RESULTS: The average RSV for "abortion" in the low, moderate and high tertile groups was 48 (SD = 3.25), 55.5 (SD = 2.11) and 64 (SD = 4.72) (p-value <0.01) respectively; for "abortion pill" the average RSVs were 39.6 (SD = 16.68), 61.9 (SD = 5.82) and 81.7 (SD = 6.67) (p-value < 0.01) respectively. Concerns about contraceptive availability and access, and unplanned pregnancies independently predicted the relative search volumes for abortion and abortion pill. According to our baseline models, states with low contraceptive access had far higher abortion searches. Volume of abortion pill searches was additionally positively associated with poor health outcomes, poor access to abortion facilities and non-rurality. CONCLUSION: Search traffic analysis can help discern abortion-policy influences on population concerns and require close monitoring. State-policies can predict search volume for abortion and abortion pill. In 2018, concerns about contraceptives and unplanned pregnancies, predicted abortion searches. Current decreases in public contraceptive funding and the Title X Gag rule designed to block millions of people from getting care at Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of birth control and abortion care, may increase concerns about unintended pregnancies that can lead to increases in online relative volume of abortion searches.

Applying Inverse Probability Weighting to Measure Contraceptive Prevalence Using Data from a Community-Based Reproductive Health Intervention in Pakistan.

CONTEXT: Many community-based reproductive health programs use their program data to monitor progress toward goals. However, using such data to assess programmatic impact on outcomes such as contraceptive use poses methodological challenges. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) may help overcome these issues. METHODS: Data on 33,162 women collected in 2013-2015 as part of a large-scale community-based reproductive health initiative were used to produce population-level estimates of the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) and modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) among married women aged 15-49 in Pakistan's Korangi District. To account for the nonrandom inclusion of women in the sample, estimates of contraceptive prevalence during the study's four seven-month intervention periods were made using IPW; these estimates were compared with estimates made using complete case analysis (CCA) and the last observation carried forward (LOCF) method-two approaches for which modeling assumptions are less flexible. RESULTS: In accordance with intervention protocols, the likelihood that women were visited by intervention personnel and thus included in the sample differed according to their past and current contraceptive use. Estimates made using IPW suggest that the CPR increased from 51% to 64%, and the mCPR increased from 34% to 53%, during the study. For both outcomes, IPW estimates were higher than CCA estimates, were generally similar to LOCF estimates and yielded the widest confidence intervals. CONCLUSION: IPW offers a powerful methodology for overcoming estimation challenges when using program data that are not representative of the population in settings where cost impedes collection of outcome data for an appropriate control group.

RESUMEN Contexto: Muchos programas comunitarios de salud reproductiva usan los datos de su programa para monitorear el progreso hacia sus metas. Sin embargo, el uso de tales datos para evaluar el impacto programático en resultados tales como el uso de anticonceptivos plantea desafíos metodológicos. La ponderación de probabilidad inversa (PPI) podría ayudar a superar estos problemas. Métodos: Se usaron datos de 33,162 mujeres recolectados entre 2013 y 2015 como parte de una iniciativa comunitaria de salud reproductiva a gran escala para producir estimaciones de la tasa de prevalencia de anticonceptivos (TPA) y la tasa de prevalencia de anticonceptivos modernos (TPAm) a nivel de la población, entre mujeres casadas de 15 a 49 años de edad en el distrito de Korangi, Pakistán. Para tener en cuenta la inclusión no aleatoria de mujeres en la muestra, se hicieron estimaciones de la prevalencia del uso de anticonceptivos durante los cuatro períodos de siete meses de intervención del estudio utilizando PPI; estas estimaciones se compararon con las estimaciones realizadas utilizando el análisis de caso completo (ACC) y el método de la última observación llevada adelante (UOLA)­dos enfoques cuyos supuestos de modelado son menos flexibles. Resultados: De conformidad con los protocolos de intervención, la probabilidad de que las mujeres fueran visitadas por el personal de intervención y por lo tanto incluidas en la muestra difería de acuerdo con su uso anticonceptivo pasado y actual. Las estimaciones realizadas con la PPI sugieren que, durante el estudio, la TPA aumentó del 51% al 64%; y que la TPAm aumentó del 34% al 53%. Para ambos resultados, las estimaciones fueron más altas que las estimaciones de ACC, en general fueron similares a las estimaciones de UOLA y produjeron intervalos de confianza más amplios. Conclusiones: La PPI ofrece una metodología poderosa para superar los desafíos relacionados con las estimaciones, cuando se utilizan datos de programas que no son representativos de la población en entornos donde el costo impide la recolección de datos de resultados para un grupo de control apropiado.

RÉSUMÉ Contexte: De nombreux programmes de santé reproductive à base communautaire utilisent leurs données pour suivre le progrès vers la réalisation de leurs objectifs. L'emploi de ces données pour évaluer l'impact programmatique sur les résultats tels que la pratique contraceptive pose cependant des problèmes de méthode. La pondération par l'inverse de la probabilité (PIP) peut être utile à la résolution de ces difficultés. Méthodes: Les données relatives à 33 162 femmes, collectées en 2013­2015 dans le cadre d'une initiative de santé reproductive à base communautaire à grande échelle, ont servi à produire des estimations au niveau de la population du taux de prévalence contraceptive (TPC) et du taux de prévalence contraceptive moderne (TPCm) parmi les femmes mariées âgées de 15 à 49 ans dans le district pakistanais de Korangi. Pour rendre compte de l'inclusion non aléatoire des femmes dans l'échantillon, les estimations de la prévalence pendant les quatre périodes d'intervention de sept mois de l'étude ont été calculées selon la méthode PIP. Ces estimations ont été comparées à celles obtenues par analyse de cas complète (ACC) et selon la méthode de la dernière observation rapportée (LOCF) ­ deux approches à hypothèses de modélisation moins souples. Résultats: Conformément aux protocoles d'intervention, la probabilité que les femmes aient reçu la visite du personnel d'intervention et soient donc incluses dans l'échantillon diffère suivant leur pratique passée et actuelle de la contraception. Les estimations obtenues selon la méthode PIP portent à croire que le TPC est passé de 51% à 64%, et le TPCm de 34% à 53%, pendant l'étude. Pour les deux résultats, les estimations PIP étaient supérieures à celles calculées selon la méthode ACC; elles étaient généralement similaires aux estimations LOCF et elles produisaient les plus larges intervalles de confiance. Conclusions: La PIP offre une méthode efficace de résolution des difficultés d'estimation lors de l'utilisation de données de programme non représentatives de la population, dans les contextes où le coût entrave la collecte de données de résultat pour un groupe témoin approprié.

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.

Identifying a Golden Opportunity: Adolescent Interest in Contraceptive Initiation in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

Objectives: Contraception use reduces teen pregnancy, and long-acting reversible contraception is recommended as first-line treatment. Since many adolescents use the emergency department (ED) as a primary source of health care, it is a potential site of contraceptive counseling and provision. We surveyed female adolescents to assess desire for contraceptive counseling and initiation/change during an ED visit. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study of a convenience sample of female ED patients aged 16-21 years in an urban pediatric ED. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire about sexual health, contraceptive use, and interest in contraceptive counseling. The primary outcome was adolescent interest in starting/changing contraception during an ED visit. Results: Three hundred eighty-one patients (mean age 19.1 ± 1.6 years) completed the survey. Most (80.5%) had been sexually active with a male partner, and 110 (28.2%) had previously been pregnant. Two-thirds were interested in discussing contraception and 22.5% were likely to start or change contraception during the ED visit. Those who wanted to start or change contraception were more likely to be sexually active with a male partner (93% vs. 82%, p = 0.02) and to report that they were not satisfied with their current contraception (44% vs. 21%, p = 0.0003). Fifteen (17%) of the adolescents likely to start or change contraception were interested in progestin implant initiation in the ED. Conclusions: Adolescents were interested in initiating or changing contraception during the ED visit, providing an important opportunity to discuss and initiate effective contraception.

Salud sexual y reproductiva en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires: Situación y respuesta 2016-2018 / Sexual and reproductive health in the City of Buenos Aires: Situation and response 2016-2018

El sistema público de salud de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires viene desarrollando distintas acciones orientadas a la salud sexual y reproductiva así como a la prevención y asistencia del VIH y otras ITS. En el presente informe la Coordinación Salud Sexual, Sida e ITS, del Ministerio de Salud del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires detalla distintas actividades realizadas en el área de salud sexual y reproductiva, el panorama de la situación actual, y las acciones desarrolladas para darle respuesta: marco legal de los derechos sexuales y reproductivos; equipos, recursos técnicos y servicios disponibles; y la utilización de estos servicios por parte de la población. El informe se basa en cuatro dimensiones de análisis: Determinantes (aquellos elementos que dan cuenta del contexto en el que se desarrolla la respuesta), Población (indicadores que permiten caracterizar la población objetivo de la política pública, las personas a quienes el Programa tiene que dar respuesta), Acciones Programáticas (desarrollo institucional del Programa o la respuesta en salud sexual y reproductiva que da el sistema público de salud en sus diferentes niveles de implementación), y Utilización de Servicios (encuentro entre el sistema de salud- mediado por los equipos que trabajan en los establecimientos sanitarios- y las personas usuarias). Incluye un resumen de indicadores sobre situación y respuesta en salud sexual y reproductiva en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, y bibliografía.

Sexuality and contraceptive knowledge in university students: instrument development and psychometric analysis using item response theory.

BACKGROUND: As a consequence of biological, psychological and social changes during puberty, youth is a period characterized by impulsiveness and risk-taking. Members of this population often feel invulnerable and have a strong motivation to explore their identity. A good level of knowledge is necessary to allow young people to experience their sexuality in a healthy way, without associated risks. In our environment there is currently no valid Spanish-language tool to measure the level of knowledge about sexuality and contraception. This study sought to develop and test the psychometric properties of a new sexuality and contraception knowledge instrument. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study to validate the sexuality and contraception knowledge instrument. The validation process followed four phases: (1) development of the instrument, (2) content validation by an expert panel, (3) pilot test and (4) psychometric analysis of the instrument using item response theory according to the Rasch model. The validation process took place from September 2017 to February 2018. RESULTS: The sample included 387 students enrolled at the Nursing and Law degrees from the University of Jaen. The final instrument was made up of 15 items. All of the items presented good adaptation values with respect to the model. The scale showed good fit and reliability: 0.99 for items and 0.74 for people. The temporal stability of the scale was calculated using test-retest, obtaining a value of 0.81 (CI 0.692-0.888). The construct validity showed the one-dimensionality of the construct, while the discriminant validity obtained good results, so the scale appears to be able to differentiate between participants with low or high levels of knowledge. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the Sexuality and Contraception Knowledge Instrument is psychometrically valid and reliable for measuring the knowledge level concerning sexuality and contraceptive methods in young university students.

Assessment of Contraceptive Counseling and Contraceptive Use in Women After Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive-aged women are, according to American and European guidelines, recommended to avoid pregnancy for 12-24 months after bariatric surgery. Oral contraceptives may have suboptimal efficacy after malabsorptive bariatric procedures. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess contraceptive use pre- and postoperatively in women who underwent bariatric surgery in two obesity clinics in The Netherlands. Also, the recall of contraceptive and pregnancy counseling was investigated. METHODS: A validated questionnaire was performed among women aged 18-45 years who underwent bariatric surgery from October 2017 through August 2018. RESULTS: In total, 230 women were eligible for final analysis. Postoperatively, 60% used safe contraception, 16.1% unsafe contraception, and 23.9% no contraception. In this study, 43.7% of women using a potential unsafe contraceptive method preoperatively switched to a safe method of contraception postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Only 62.6% of women confirmed to have received contraceptive counseling, mainly preoperatively. The odds ratio for receiving contraceptive counseling and using safe contraceptive methods compared with not receiving contraceptive counseling was 2.20 (95% CI, 1.27-3.79; p = 0.005). Eighty-three percent confirmed that they have received counseling regarding delaying a pregnancy, and 52.6% were familiar with the recommendation to avoid a pregnancy for 24 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, 60% of women are using safe contraception postoperatively. Contraceptive counseling is suboptimal as 62.6% recall receiving counseling. Those who confirmed receiving counseling were more likely to use safe contraception after bariatric surgery. More counseling and monitoring in the postoperative and in the outpatient setting is recommended.

Utilization of modern contraceptives and predictors among women in Shimelba refugee camp, Northern Ethiopia.

Women living in refugee camps, in addition to the common hardships, such as drought, and famine, are also prone to another peculiar problem: an unintended pregnancy. The impact of unintended pregnancy is so severe that the rate of women who die or suffer an injury while giving birth in crisis settings is almost double the world average death rate. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the utilization of modern contraceptive and associated factors among women in the reproductive age group in Shimelba refugee camp, Northern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was employed and 329 study subjects were selected using simple random sampling technique with a face-to-face interview. The prevalence of using modern contraceptive was 47.7% and the study showed that being older [AOR = 0.017, 95%CI: 0.001, 0.467], being single [AOR = 0.17, 95%CI:0.031,0.914], being unemployed [AOR = 0.21, 95% CI:0.001,0.392], having no partner support [AOR = 0.006, 95% CI:0.001,0.044], and inconvenient service site AOR = 0.089,95% CI:0.013, 0.595] were factors that contributed to women not using modern contraceptive methods. Receipt of counseling on family planning utilization was more likely to helps women to use it [AOR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.1095, 10.236]. Our study concluded that the current prevalence rate of contraceptive use is fairly good. However, much effort has to be made to improve this result. The situations in refugee can exacerbate the existing barriers to the use of contraceptives. Given its grave consequence on the livelihood of women, the contraceptive issue should be given due emphasis using several techniques including education to expand the awareness on modern contraceptive so as to augment access to family planning.

Predictors of More Effective Contraceptive Method Use at 12 Weeks Post-Abortion: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Understanding factors associated with contraceptive use post-abortion can inform clinical practices to improve contraception uptake. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included adult women who completed the survey before surgical abortion at an Atlanta, Georgia clinic, with an online survey 12 weeks later. Poisson regression models assessed associations between demographic and reproductive factors and use of more effective (contraceptive pill, ring, patch, injectables, intrauterine device [IUD], implant, sterilization) versus less effective (none, condoms, withdrawal, rhythm methods) contraception at follow-up. Results: Three hundred ninety three women completed the initial survey; 180 (46%) completed follow-up. Of those completing follow-up, 109 (61%) expressed interest in initiating more effective methods in-clinic, yet only 85 (47%) reported using these methods at follow-up. Sixty-one women (34%) were not using their preferred contraceptive at follow-up; 34 (56%) of whom preferred to use IUD, implant, or sterilization. More effective contraception use was significantly associated with age over 30 (adjusted risk ratio, aRR 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-2.57); nulliparity (aRR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.20-2.42); use of more effective methods at most recent conception (aRR 2.56, 95% CI: 1.73-3.79); interest in more effective methods at the time of the abortion (aRR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.11-2.18); and receiving a contraceptive/prescription at the time of abortion (aRR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.37-2.81). Conclusions: Over half of women use less effective contraception 3 months post-abortion, despite a high interest in more effective contraception. Additional research is needed to understand contraceptive decision making in the context of abortion care to inform interventions to increase contraceptive uptake.

Pre-pregnancy weight loss in women with obesity requesting removal of their intra-uterine contraceptive device in order to conceive: a pilot study of full meal replacement.

Obesity during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of thromboembolism, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, congenital anomaly, macrosomia and stillbirth. The current practice, directed at reducing gestational weight gain, is largely ineffective. The present pilot study was designed to assess the acceptability of a 24-week intensive weight management programme (IWMP; full meal replacement followed by partial meal replacement and weight stabilization) to achieve weight loss for women with obesity requesting removal of their intra-uterine contraceptive device in order to conceive. Twenty six (65%) of eligible participants consented to the IWMP; three received this as routine National Health Service care in the University College Hospital clinic and 14 participated in the study. The commonest reasons for not participating were dislike of milk, anxiety and lack of support from family and friends. Omitting one woman who dropped out because of problems unrelated to the intervention, the completion rate was 46.2%. Including all women who started the programme, mean body mass index decreased significantly (P = 0.005) from 37.8 to 35.3 kg/m2 . The median percentage decrease was significantly (P = 0.007) greater for women who completed the study (14.2) compared to those who dropped out (1.2). These results suggest an impressive level of weight loss in about one third of all women offered the IWMP who had to defer what they were seeking (pregnancy) while following a challenging programme that they were not seeking. However, studies of other interventions, such as partial meal replacement or commercial products, which may have higher rates of completion are still required.

Contraceptive Method Use and Chlamydia Positivity Among California Family Planning Clients: The Case for New Multipurpose Prevention Technologies.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls and young women experience high rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) with currently available contraceptive methods, yet few studies examine the burden of chlamydial infection by contraceptive method used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional analysis, we linked July 2012-June 2013 claims from a publicly-funded family planning program in California to chlamydia laboratory test results. Female clients were classified by the most effective contraceptive method reported by providers during the year: tier 1 (high-efficacy permanent or long-acting reversible methods), tier 2 (shorter-acting hormonal methods), or tier 3 (barrier methods, emergency contraception, or natural family planning). In addition, we identified clients who received condoms from providers. We used log-binomial models to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios comparing chlamydia positivity by contraceptive method(s). RESULTS: Of 74,636 female clients of ages 15-29 years with chlamydia test results, 5.1% had at least one positive test during the year. Chlamydia positivity was highest among tier 2 users (5.3%) compared with 4.5% and 4.9% among tiers 1 and 3 users, respectively (p < 0.001). Positivity was higher among clients who received condoms from providers than those who did not (6.3% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, there were no significant differences in positivity by contraceptive tier. However, clients who received condoms had 1.32 (95% confidence interval: 1.24-1.40) times the positivity of those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: We found high chlamydia positivity among young female family planning clients regardless of contraceptive method. The development and provision of additional Multipurpose Prevention Technologies that confer protection against both pregnancy and STIs may help to address unmet need for STI prevention.

Unmet need for contraception and its association with unintended pregnancy in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: Unmet need for contraception and unintended pregnancy are important public health concerns both in developing and developed countries. Previous researches have attempted to study the factors that influence unintended pregnancy. However, the association between unmet need for contraception and unwanted pregnancy is not studied adequately. The aim of the present study was to measure the prevalence of unmet need for contraception and unwanted pregnancy, and to explore the association between these two in a nationally representative sample in Bangladesh. METHODS: Data for the present study were collected from Bangladesh demographic and health survey conducted in 2011. Participants were 7338 mothers ageing between 13 and 49 years selected from both rural and urban residencies. Planning status of last pregnancy was the main outcome variable and unmet need for contraception was the explanatory variable of primary interest. Cross tabulation, chi-square tests and logistic regression (Generalised estimating equations) methods were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of the sample population was 25.6 years (SD 6.4). Prevalence of unmet need for contraception was 13.5%, and about 30% of the women described their last pregnancy as unintended. In the adjusted model, the odds of unintended pregnancy were about 16 fold among women who reported facing unmet need for contraception compared to those who did not (95% CI = 11.63-23.79). CONCLUSION: National rates of unintended pregnancy and of unmet need for contraception remain considerably high and warrant increased policy attention. Findings suggests that programs targeting to reduce unmet need for contraception could contribute to a lower rate of unintended pregnancy in Bangladesh. More in-depth and qualitative studies on the underlying sociocultural causes of unmet need can help develop context specific solutions to unintended pregnancies.

Knowledge and utilization of contraceptive devices among unmarried undergraduate students of a tertiary institution in Kano State, Nigeria 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Students in the universities mostly live independently from their parents or guardians, some of them for the first time. This gives them freedom and opportunity for high risk behavior such as unplanned and unprotected sex. The results of such sexual experimentation may include unplanned and or unwanted pregnancies that may lead to unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. Contraception has the potential to prevent unwanted pregnancies, abortion, and STIs. This study aimed at assessing the general knowledge on contraceptives, sexual practices, and level of utilization of contraceptives devices among unmarried students of the Bayero University Kano. METHODS: We did an institutional based cross-sectional descriptive study. We administered a pretested, self-administered, structured questionnaire to randomly selected unmarried undergraduate students of the institution. We analyzed data using Microsoft Excel 2016 and Epi-info7. RESULTS: A total of 300 students were interviewed. The median age for respondents was 23 years with an age range of 16-25 years. Male respondents made up 61.3% (184) while the females made up the remaining 38.7% (116). Also, 158(47.33%) of respondents lived outside the school campus, while 158(52.67%) lived in the school hostels. Knowledge on contraception was 87.7% among respondents with internet (91%) and media (89.3%) as the commonest sources of knowledge. Proportion of sexually active students was 10.67%, while prevalence of contraceptive utilization among sexually active students was 15.63%. About 8(25%) had their sexual debut at < 16years of age, 22(68.75%) at ages between 16-20years, and 4(12.5%) above 20years of age. All sexually active respondents practice vaginal sex. Most sexual debuts were planned (44.75 %) and with friends (86.4%), and they occurred between the ages of 16-20years age group in 70.3% of respondents. CONCLUSION: Even though knowledge on contraceptive used was high among the respondents, utilization of contraceptives among sexually active students was low, thus creating a window for possible unintended and unwanted pregnancies among these group of students.

Women's Limited Choice and Availability of Modern Contraception at Retail Outlets and Public-Sector Facilities in Luanda, Angola, 2012-2015.

In Angola, many women want to use family planning but lack access to affordable and preferred methods. This article assesses the link between women's choice and availability of contraceptive methods in Luanda, Angola, drawing on data from 3 surveys: a 2012 survey among women ages 15-49 and 2 retail surveys conducted in 2014 and 2015 among outlets and facilities offering contraceptive methods. Descriptive statistics for women's contraceptive knowledge, use, and preferred methods were stratified by age group. We report the percentage of establishments offering different methods and brands of modern contraception, and the mean price, volume of units sold, and value (Angolan Kwanzas) for each brand. Data from the 2 retail surveys are compared to measure changes in availability over time. Results show that 51% of women reported having an unwanted pregnancy. Less than 40% of women knew about long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Overall, the method most commonly used was male condoms (32.1%), with a substantial proportion (17.3%) of women not using their preferred contraceptive. Trends in contraceptive use mirror availability: in 2015, condoms were available in 73.6% of outlets/facilities, while LARC methods were available in less than 10%. The availability of different methods also dropped significantly between 2014 and 2015-by up to 15 percentage points-with a subsequent price increase in many brands. To meet women's needs for contraception and make informed choice possible, Angola should reinforce demand creation and contraceptive supply in both the public and private sectors through behavior change programs aimed at both women and providers, improved quality of services, training of health personnel on method options and delivery, and improved supply chain distribution of contraceptives. This will allow women to find the methods and brands that best suit their needs, preferences, and ability to pay.

Subjective meanings of 'unintended' pregnancy: interviews from understanding fertility management in contemporary Australia.

Unintended pregnancy can be difficult to identify and conceptualise. We aimed to understand how unintended pregnancies are constructed, explained and situated in a reproductive life. A total of 41 women and 7 men aged 20-50 years were interviewed in depth. Transcripts were analysed using iterative hermeneutic techniques informed by narrative theory. Of 34 participants who had been pregnant or had a partner in pregnancy, 12 women and 1 man described 23 'unintended' pregnancies, about half of which ended in abortion. Their accounts reveal that an unintended pregnancy is identified subjectively, that the same pregnancy may be identified by one partner in the pregnancy as unintended and by the other as intended, and that a researcher's supposedly objective assessment of an unintended pregnancy may be inconsistent with the assessment of the woman who experienced it. A pejorative discourse was evident, predominantly among participants who did not report having an unintended pregnancy: women use an 'unintended' pregnancy to entrap men. Accounts from five participants reporting an unintended pregnancy were selected for illustration. An appreciation of the role such a pregnancy might play in an individual life requires a nuanced understanding of the complexity of human experience and a resistance to simple binary categorisation.