Trends in long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use, LARC use predictors, and dual-method use among a national sample of college women

Abstract

Objective: Assess long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) and other contraceptive use trends, identify LARC use predictors, and examine dual method use.

Participants: Women in the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II, aged 18-24 years, who reported having vaginal sex (N = 37,899).

Methods: Secondary analyses of Fall 2011-2014 ACHA-NCHA II data.

Results: Statistically significant increases in LARC usage and, specifically, implant usage, were found. Characteristics associated with LARC use included age, race/ethnicity, relationship status, and school type. Students reporting LARC use had lower odds of condom usage compared with non-LARC hormonal method users.

Conclusion: This analysis of LARC predictors and dual LARC/condom use has implications for research and health promotion efforts. Findings suggest that college health services are well positioned to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of diverse populations of students. College health professionals should elicit students' individual and/or relationship priorities to tailor messaging/services offered for pregnancy/STI prevention.

Keywords: Condoms; contraception; contraceptive agents; intrauterine devices; woman; young adult.