Barriers to Health Care Providers' Provision of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception to Adolescent and Nulliparous Young Women

Abstract

Despite recommendations for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) as a first-line contraceptive method for adolescents and young women, its use in the United States remains low. This integrative review highlights previously unidentified barriers to health care providers' provision of LARC to adolescent and nulliparous young women. Four themes emerged: Appropriateness of Candidates and Contraceptive Safety, Provider Training and Work Setting, Appropriate Resources, and Opportunity. Raising awareness of barriers to LARC use may galvanize providers to find solutions. Nurses and other clinicians can remain aware of new contraceptive options and guidelines to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy among adolescents.

Keywords: LARC; adolescent health; adolescent pregnancy; long-acting reversible contraception.