Association between the use of free-of-charge intrauterine devices and a history of induced abortion: a retrospective study

• Main Authors: Sabina Ulbricht (Author), Angelika Beyer (Author), Ulrich John (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2019-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Abstract Background To determine whether use of intrauterine device (IUD) is influenced by a history of induced abortion and the type of contraceptives used until costs are covered. Methods We analyzed data from 301 female residents in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, an economically challenged community. The women, aged between 20 and 35 years, were entitled to receive unemployment benefits, and had access to free-of-charge oral contraceptives, ring or IUD. Cross-sectional data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results There were 112 (37.2%) women with a history of induced abortion, and 46 (15.3%) reported exclusively using less effective contraceptives (e.g. condoms). In a univariate logistic regression, use of an IUD was associated with a history of having had an induced abortion. Furthermore, uptake of an IUD was associated with women who had, until costs were covered, exclusively choice to use less effective contraceptives (OR = 3.281, 95% CI: 1.717; 6.273). Both associations remained significant in a multivariate model. Conclusions Free contraceptives provided to women receiving unemployment benefits may increase the use of IUDs, especially among those with a history of an induced abortion and those using less effective contraceptives.

Item Description

10.1186/s12905-019-0821-3
1472-6874