Objective: The purpose of
this study was to determine the barriers to intrauterine device (IUD) use at a
University-Based Women’s Clinic. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional
survey of a convenience sample of subjects receiving obstetrical care at a
University-Based Women’s Clinic. Eligible women who consented to participate
self-administered a 16-question survey during a routine prenatal visit.
Descriptive statistics were used to report participants’ demographics and
history of contraception use. Additionally, subjects were asked if they would
consider IUD use in the future. Results: A total of 160 women participated in
this study. The average age of this sample was 24.9 (SD = 6.3). The majority
were in low income and low education categories. Only 5% of women reported
previous IUD use. 27% of women surveyed desired more information regarding IUD
contraception. 19% of participants would consider using an IUD in the future
and 25% would considerIUD in the
future if they knew more about them. Insurance and financial constraints were
cited as barriers to IUD use. 4% of the sample reported that they had used an
IUD previously and were unhappy with it due to pain and discomfort. 18% would
not consider an IUD because they had heard about side effects. 68%of the surveyed sample reported
unintended pregnancies. Conclusion: The two most common barriers to IUD use in
this patient population was lack of knowledgeand
concern about side effects. Increasing patients’ knowledge of IUDs has the
potential to increase IUD utilization in this clinic population which reported
a 68% rate of unintended pregnancy.
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