301581
IUDs as EC? Limited Awareness and High Reported Acceptability: Evidence from Argentina
The copper-bearing intrauterine device (IUD) is safe and the most effective form of emergency contraception (EC), but knowledge of the device for EC is low. We assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding the IUD for EC among women in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Methods
A convenience sample of women attending a family planning center at a public hospital was interviewed. Using logistic regression models, we estimated the relationship between individual level characteristics and acceptability of using the IUD for EC.
Results
While only 5 of 250 (2%) knew the IUD served for EC, 247 of 267 (93%) were willing to use this method after given relevant information. Analysis (n=274) revealed that age (OR=1.042, 95%CI=1.01-1.08), no religious affiliation (OR=3.02, 95%CI= 1.19-7.66), and previous IUD use (OR=2.49, 95%CI=1.33-4.68) were positively associated with willingness to use the IUD as EC. Argentine women were less likely to accept the IUD for EC (OR=.525, 95%CI=.310-.890) compared to foreign-born women, even after adjusting for previous use of the IUD (OR=.491, 95%CI=.284-.850). Additionally, results from a pre-test revealed that women with low levels of education and those born in Argentina (compared to foreign-born) were less knowledgeable about EC pills, while highly educated women were more knowledgeable about the IUD.
Conclusion
This is the first study to examine acceptability of the IUD for EC in Latin America. Despite limited knowledge, acceptability of the IUD for EC is high. Program recommendations include increasing education regarding this highly effective method and advocacy to change existing regulations in Argentina prohibiting the use of IUD for EC.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practicePlanning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Assess knowledge and attitudes regarding the copper-bearing intrauterine device (IUD) as emergency contraception (EC) among women in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Keyword(s): Family Planning, International Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I graduated with an MPH degree, with a concentration in evaluative sciences (quantitative and qualitative research). This research was conducted under the supervision of my MPH professor, advisor and co-author, Dr. Tia Palermo and was the focus of my MPH practicum. My academic studies and research work during the last 6 years has focused predominantly on Latin American populations in the US and in Latin America. My research interest are reproductive health and family planning.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.