Contraceptive practices in women with repeat termination of pregnancies

What are the social correlates of subsequent abortions in Flanders, Belgium?

OBJECTIVE

To study whether the social correlates of subsequent abortions vary depending on the order of the abortion. Methodology: Drawing upon the Flemish abortion centres' anonymized patient records (2010-2019), discrete-time hazard models were used to examine whether individual abortion experiences across women's reproductive life course have different social correlates.

RESULTS

Overall, women who were in their twenties, of foreign origin, single, had non-tertiary education, were not in paid employment, had children, did not (consistently and without errors) use contraception and had a previous abortion through medication, had an elevated probability to experience subsequent abortions. While single women and women with a vulnerable socioeconomic status were more likely to have a second or third abortion, this difference is no longer prevalent when considering higher-order abortions. The hazard for higher-order abortions was more pronounced in women with a migration background, regardless of the order considered. Contraceptive use was unrelated to fourth or higher-order abortions.

CONCLUSION

Using discrete-time hazard models, we unpack individual abortion experiences across women's reproductive life courses. By studying the transitions into different orders of subsequent abortions separately, we provide a more detailed understanding of risk factors compared to other European studies. The social correlates vary by the order considered: A certain profile emerges for women who have a second or third abortion, but disintegrates when considering higher-order abortions. This knowledge enables clinicians and policymakers to better understand women who experience subsequent abortions and to tailor services best suited to their needs.

Specialist follow-up contraceptive support after abortion-Impact on effective contraceptive use at six months and subsequent abortions: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of specialist contraceptive support after abortion on effective contraceptive use at six months and subsequent abortions within two years.

METHODS

Multicentre randomised controlled trial among women undergoing induced abortion in three London boroughs. Allocation was through electronically concealed stratified randomisation by centre, blinding clinicians and participants to arm allocation until interventions. Control group received standard care, comprising advice to follow up with their general practitioner or contraceptive clinic as needed. Intervention group additionally received specialist contraceptive support via telephone or face-to-face consultation at 2-4 weeks and 3 months post-abortion. Primary outcome was rate of effective contraceptive use at six months post-abortion. Secondary outcomes were subsequent abortions within two years.

RESULTS

569 women were recruited between October 2011 and February 2013, randomised to intervention (282) and control (287) groups; 290 (142 intervention, 148 control) were available for primary outcome analysis. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups in effective contraceptive use after abortion (62%, vs 54%, p = 0·172), long-acting contraceptive use (42% versus 32%, p = 0·084), and subsequent abortion (similar rates, at 1 year: 10%, p = 0·895, between 1-2 years: 6%, p = 0·944). Per-protocol analysis showed those who received the complete intervention package were significantly more likely to use effective contraception (67% versus 54%, p = 0·048), in particular long-acting contraception (49% versus 32%, p = 0·010) and showed a non-significant reduction in subsequent abortions within 2 years (at 1 year: 5% versus 10%, p = 0·098; and between 1-2 years: 3% versus 6%, p = 0·164, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Structured specialist support post-abortion did not result in significant use of effective contraception at six months or reduction in subsequent abortions within two years. Participants engaging with the intervention showed positive effect on effective contraception at six months post-abortion. The potential benefit of such intervention may become evident through further studies with increased patient participation.

Is Repeat Abortion a Public Health Problem among Chinese Adolescents? A Cross-Sectional Survey in 30 Provinces

The Chinese Family Planning (FP) programme mainly focuses on married couples, and young unmarried women have limited access. This cross-sectional study aims to identify risk factors related to repeat abortions in Chinese adolescents receiving abortions. Data were collected using a questionnaire for all women seeking abortions within 12 weeks of pregnancy during a period of 2 months in 297 participating hospitals randomly selected across 30 provinces of China in 2013. Only the adolescents (younger than the minimum legal married age of 20 years) were included in this study. Of the 2370 adolescents who were receiving abortions, 927 (39%) were undergoing repeat abortions. The primary reason for the current unintended pregnancies was non-use of contraception (68%). Adolescents receiving abortions who had an increased risk of repeat abortions were those who had children (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.80⁻3.67), those who resided in a middle-developed region (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.30⁻2.50), those who resided in a relatively poor region (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.78⁻3.23), and those who had used contraception during the 6 months preceding the survey (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12⁻1.71 for condom use). The occupation as a student was a protective factor for adolescents (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.50⁻0.83). Adolescents should be offered equal access to FP to that of married women in China to reduce unintended pregnancies and repeat abortions. Correct and consistent contraception practice should be promoted.

Economic Burden of Contraception Management in Spain

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of contraceptive methods are available, some of them reimbursed by the Spanish National Health System (SNHS). However, the number of unintended pregnancies (UP) is still significant, leading to a high economic burden, mainly derived from non-adherence to and the incorrect use of contraceptive methods.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to estimate the economic burden associated with reversible contraception management in Spain, from the perspectives of both the SNHS and women, over a 5-year period.

METHODS

A survey was performed to identify contraception management in Spain based on the experience of a panel of six expert gynecologists. An economic model was conducted to quantify the current burden of contraception according to healthcare resources use over 5 years. The costs included in the analysis were diagnostic tests, initial and follow-up consultations, methods acquisition costs, and UP derived from therapy failure.

RESULTS

Reversible contraception costs in Spain amount to €12.5 billion over a 5-year period. Condoms and combined oral contraceptives (COC) account for 86.8% of the total cost and the other methods only 13.2%. There are differences in contraceptive use according to women's age. Short-acting reversible contraceptives (SARC) such as COC, condom and vaginal ring, are most commonly used by younger women. However, SARC are correlated with the highest failure rate, resulting in over €7.2 billion cost, explained by the high number of UP. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), such as the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS20), implant and copper intrauterine devices (IUD), are selected by women over 35 years of age due to user-independent compliance. SARC methods result in a higher cost per woman over 5 years: vaginal ring €2427.8, patch €2402.6, condom €2060.1 and COC €1895.1; while LARC methods are the most economic option per women: LNG-IUS20 €630.4, copper IUD €658.2, LNG-IUS12 €703.8, intramuscular injectable €907.8 and implant €940.5.

CONCLUSIONS

LARC methods result in lower costs compared with SARC options from the perspectives of the SNHS and women, explained by user-independent compliance, preventing a significant number of UP and its elevated economic burden. An increased LARC methods use could avoid UP events, leading to significant cost-savings for the SNHS.

Women's experiences of more than one termination of pregnancy within two years: a mixed-methods study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the experiences of women seeking more than one termination of pregnancy (TOP) within 2 years.

DESIGN

Mixed methods study.

SETTING

Six TOP services across Scotland.

SAMPLE

Women presenting for TOP between July and December 2015.

METHODS

Descriptive and inferential analysis of quantitative survey data, thematic analysis of qualitative interview data and integrative analysis. In quantitative analysis, multinomial logistic regression was used to compare three groups: previous TOP within 2 years, previous TOP beyond 2 years and no previous TOP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Characteristics and experiences of women seeking TOP.

RESULTS

Of 1662 questionnaire respondents, 14.6% (n = 242) and 19.8% (n = 329) reported previous TOP within and beyond 2 years, respectively. The previous TOP within 2 years group was significantly less likely to own their accommodation than the no previous TOP group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18-0.62) and previous TOP beyond 2 years group (aOR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23-0.85); and more likely to report inconsistent (aOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.04-2.57; aOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.16-3.28) and consistent (aOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.39-3.26; aOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.07-2.76) contraceptive use than the no previous TOP and previous TOP within 2 years groups, respectively. Twenty-three women from the previous TOP within 2 years group were interviewed. Qualitative and integrative analyses highlight issues relating to contraceptive challenges, intimate partner violence, life aspirations and socio-economic disadvantage.

CONCLUSIONS

Women undergoing more than one TOP within 2 years may experience particular challenges and vulnerabilities. Service provision should recognise this and move away from stigmatising discourses of 'repeat abortion'.

FUNDING

Scottish Government.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Women having two or more terminations of pregnancy in 2 years may face key challenges/vulnerabilities including intimate partner violence and socio-economic disadvantage.

Use of contraception among women who request first trimester pregnancy termination in Norway

OBJECTIVES

Among women requesting pregnancy termination, we studied the proportion of women who reported having used contraception when they became pregnant and the contraceptive method that they had used.

STUDY DESIGN

We included all requests for pregnancy termination in Norway during the years 2007-2011 (n=80,346) by obtaining information from the Norwegian Registry of Pregnancy Termination. By using a logistic regression model, we estimated odds ratios for using any contraceptive method associated with the woman's age, previous childbirth, previous pregnancy termination, marital status, employment status and educational level.

RESULTS

In total, 36.5% of the women who requested pregnancy termination (29,305/80,346) reported having used contraception when they became pregnant. Of all women, 16.6% reported having used the combined contraceptive pill/progestin pill, 11.5% the condom and 1.1% long-acting reversible contraceptives (1.0% intrauterine contraception). Overall, 38.9% of women 20-24years old had used contraception, compared to 29.9% of women 40-44years old (odds ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.51-0.60). Previous childbirth, previous pregnancy termination and high educational level were also associated with contraceptive use.

CONCLUSION

Among women who requested pregnancy termination in Norway, 36.5% reported having used contraception when they became pregnant. Contraception use was associated with young age and having previously been pregnant.

IMPLICATIONS

A large proportion of women who request pregnancy termination have experienced contraceptive failure. Women who are fertile and do not wish to become pregnant should be offered a contraceptive method that carries low risk of incorrect use.

Characteristics of women who have repeat abortions in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVES

To explore the demographic characteristics of women having multiple abortions, in order to identify abortion clients who might be at increased risk of repeat abortion.

METHODS

On the basis of the registration data of most Dutch abortion clinics, responsible for 64% of all such procedures, women who procured a first abortion were compared to those who had one or more previously. Results of bivariate analyses and a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis are presented.

RESULTS

Of all abortions, 36% were repeat abortions. Women aged over 20 were more likely to have repeat abortions, as were migrants, particularly those with a Caribbean background (from Surinam or the Netherlands Antilles) and women who had children. Effect sizes of other factors were very small. Surprisingly, women who had repeat abortions more often used contraception in the preceding six months than women who had a first abortion, but also this effect size was small as well. A multivariate logistic regression analysis led to similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

Abortion clients with a Caribbean background should be targeted for the prevention of more unwanted pregnancies. Not only should the use of reliable contraception be promoted, but also compliance and continuation.

Prevalence of unwanted pregnancy in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Different studies show that a considerable number of pregnancies are unwanted and can have side effects on mothers'' children's and finally society's health. Accordingly, this meta-analysis study has been carried out to estimate a relatively accurate level of unwanted pregnancies in Iran.

METHODS

Present studies and published documents were retrieved from Persian and English electronic databases. To increase sensitivity and to select more studies, the reference list of the published studies was checked. After studying the titles and texts of documents, repeated and irrelevant ones were excluded. Data was analyzed using STATA V.11.

RESULTS

Forty-nine qualified papers were selected with a 43,061 sample size. The meta-analysis of unwanted pregnancy prevalence in Iran equals 30.6% (CI = 28.1-33.1). Also' according to the present meta-analysis' the most common contraceptive methods used by couples prior to unwanted pregnancies are as follows: pills 27.1%' withdrawal 38.6%' IUD 11.4%' injection contraceptives 2.8%' vasectomy 0.28% and no method 24.5%.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results of meta-analysis showed that about one-third of pregnancies in Iran are unwanted and a high percent of them are among women who had used contraceptives. Therefore' it is necessary to adopt more appropriate policies on the following: education, proper pregnancy age, using contraceptive methods, men's role in family planning programs and quality promotion in family planning services.

Why do women experience untimed pregnancies? A review of contraceptive failure rates

Contraceptive failure contributes to a substantial proportion of unintended pregnancy, particularly in the developed world. A number of socio-demographic factors seem to impact on the risk of a woman experiencing contraceptive failure. Many of the issues exist across cultural boundaries and are complex to address. In discussing the failure rates for individual contraceptive methods, this article will highlight the advantage of improving uptake of long-acting reversible methods of contraception which have a high efficacy and are less user-dependent than many of the other available methods.