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. 2021 Feb;61(1):128-134.
doi: 10.1111/ajo.13257. Epub 2020 Oct 23.

Changes in use of hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive methods in Australia between 2006 and 2018: A population-based study

Luke E Grzeskowiak  1   2 , Helen Calabretto  1   3   4 , Natalie Amos  5 , Danielle Mazza  5 , Jenni Ilomaki  6   7
Affiliations

Changes in use of hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive methods in Australia between 2006 and 2018: A population-based study

Luke E Grzeskowiak et al. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2021 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are promoted internationally as a key strategy for reducing unintended pregnancy and abortion rates.

Aims: To examine trends in use of hormonal LARCs among reproductive-aged women in Australia between 2006 and 2018 and explore trends according to age groups and state/territory of dispensing.

Materials and methods: Retrospective population-based study using Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) dispensing claims of a 10% random sample of females aged 15-44. We investigated rates and annual trends in dispensing claims of etonorgestrel implant and levonorgestrel intrauterine systems (IUS).

Results: Between 2006 and 2018, annual PBS claims for LARCs increased approximately two-fold from 21.7 to 41.5 per 1000 women, with a plateau observed from 2015 onward. Absolute rate increases were similar for the implant (9.0/1000) and IUS (10.8/1000), with increases observed across all age groups and states/territories. Overall dispensing rates varied by two-fold according to state/territory of dispensing and four-fold according to age groups. Rate increases for the implant were highest among the 15-19 and 20-24 age groups, while rate increases for the IUS were highest among the 35-39 and 40-44 age groups. It is estimated that in 2018, 10.8% of women aged 15-44 were using a LARC; 4.5% for the implant and 6.3% for the IUS.

Conclusions: Rates of hormonal LARC use have doubled over the past decade. Investigating underlying reasons for the large observed differences in rates of use according to age and state/territory could help further improve uptake for these most effective methods of contraception.

Keywords: contraception; drug utilisation; hormonal contraception; long-acting reversible contraception.

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References

    1. Mazza D, Bateson D, Frearson M et al. Current barriers and potential strategies to increase the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies in Australia: an expert roundtable discussion. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 57: 206-212.
    1. Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association. Consensus Statement - Reducing Unintended Pregnancy for Australian Women Through Increased Access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods, 2017. [Accessed 09 April 2020.] Available from URL: https://ahha.asn.au/sites/default/files/docs/policy-issue/larc_consensus...
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    1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Long-acting Reversible Contraception [Internet]. London: NICE, 2005 [updated 2019 Jul; cited 2020 Apr 29]. (Clinical guideline [CG30]). Available from URL: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg30
    1. Australian Government: Department of Health. National Women's Health Strategy: 2020-2030, 2020. [Accessed 09 April 2020.] Available from URL: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/national...

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