An Investigation into Long-acting Reversible Contraception: Use, Awareness, and Associated Factors

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the prevalence, awareness, perceived reliability, and factors associated with the use of long-acting reversible contraception among reproductive-aged, married women and men in Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1520 men and women between 15-49 years of age who attended public health centers in Tehran were surveyed. Results: About 85% of the respondents reported that they were already familiar with intrauterine contraception and 61.9% with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate. The majority of women respondents had not considered IUDs (57.2%) or DMPA (59.1%) as reliable methods. As for men, IUDs (53.8%) or DMPA (39.8%) were considered as reliable methods of contraception. Moreover, a higher number of women thought it was better to refrain from using IUDs (60.3%) or DMPA (61.5%) than men [IUDs (53.4%) or DMPA (40.2%)]. Those who in the younger age group (18-40 years old), had younger partners (18-40 years old), had education beyond a high school diploma and had no history of unwanted pregnancy (58%) were less likely to use LARC. Conclusions: Men and women are familiar with LARC (Long-acting reversible contraception) methods, but few believe that these methods are reliable. Demonstration of the performance of long-term methods by health personnel will increase the belief and trust of women and men in longer-lasting ways of contraception.