Interest in intrauterine contraception among seekers of emergency contraception and pregnancy testing.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the interest in using intrauterine contraception among women and adolescent girls seeking emergency contraception or walk-in pregnancy testing.

METHODS

We surveyed 412 women and adolescent girls who requested emergency contraception or pregnancy testing at four family planning clinics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The 41-item survey assessed knowledge of, attitudes toward, and interest in using an intrauterine device (IUD). Data were analyzed using chi2 and Fisher exact tests and multivariable logistic regression methods.

RESULTS

The response rate was 85%. Twelve percent (95% confidence interval [CI] 9-15) of women and adolescent girls surveyed expressed interest in same-day insertion of an IUD, and 22% (95% CI 18-26) wanted more information about IUDs. Interest in same-day IUD insertion increased with higher education level, prior unwanted pregnancy, and experience with barriers to use of contraception.

CONCLUSION

Same-day IUD insertion may be a reasonable way to increase the use of highly-effective contraception among women and adolescent girls seeking emergency contraception or walk-in pregnancy testing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.