The Association of Social Deprivation Index and Contraception Care in a Statewide Contraceptive Access Initiative

Objectives: To examine the association of social deprivation index (SDI) and contraception care in a statewide contraceptive access initiative (PATH4YOU) in Indiana.

Study Design: A cross-sectional analysis was performed to examine associations of participant's chosen appointment type and contraceptive method with age and SDI.

Results: Of the 1201 participants, 45.2% chose a short-acting contraception, 76.9% received in-person care. Those within the highest SDI quartile (greatest social deprivation) chose in-person care (93.1% vs. 63.4%) and long-acting contraception (62.8% vs. 35.6%) when compared to participants within the lowest quartile (p < 0.01). This was confirmed by multivariable analysis, which showed that as SDI quartiles increased, OR for in-person care and long-acting contraception increased.

Conclusions: Participant chosen type of appointment and contraceptive method were associated with levels of social deprivation.

Implications: Analysis of appointment type and contraceptive method within a statewide contraceptive initiative in Indiana (PATH4YOU) was done and showed differences based on social deprivation quartiles. Those living in geographic areas of greatest social deprivation chose in-person care (vs. telehealth) and long-acting contraception.