Use of Nonpreferred Contraceptive Methods Among Women in Ohio

Objectives: We describe the prevalence and correlates of nonuse of preferred contraceptive method among women 18-44 years of age in Ohio using contraception.

Study Design: The population-representative Ohio Survey of Women had 2529 participants in 2018-2019, with a response rate of 33.5%. We examined prevalence of preferred method nonuse, reasons for nonuse, and satisfaction with current method among current contraception users (n = 1390). We evaluated associations between demographic and healthcare factors and preferred method nonuse.

Results: About 25% of women reported not using their preferred contraceptive method. The most common barrier to obtaining preferred method was affordability (13%). Those not using their preferred method identified long-acting methods (49%), oral contraception (33%), or condoms (21%) as their preferred methods. The proportion using their preferred method was highest among intrauterine device (IUD) users (86%) and lowest among emergency contraception users (64%). About 16% of women using permanent contraception reported it was not their preferred method. Having the lowest socioeconomic status (versus highest) (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11-1.96), Hispanic ethnicity (versus non-Hispanic white) (PR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.15-2.90), reporting poor provider satisfaction related to contraceptive care (PR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.02-5.29), and not having a yearly women's checkup (PR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01-1.68) were significantly associated with nonuse of preferred method. Compared to preferred-method nonusers, higher proportions of preferred-method users reported consistent contraceptive use (89% vs. 73%, p < 0.001) and intent to continue use (79% vs. 58%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Affordability and poor provider satisfaction related to contraceptive care were associated with nonuse of preferred contraceptive method. Those using their preferred method reported more consistent use.

Implications: Cost is an important barrier for women in obtaining their preferred contraceptive methods. Low quality birth control care may also be a barrier to preferred-method use. Removal of cost barriers and improvement in contraceptive counseling strategies may increase access to preferred contraceptive methods.