Do Patient Attitudes About the Intrauterine Device Differ Based on Race and Ethnicity? [6G]. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edwards, Sara; Mercier, Rebecca; Perriera, Lisa
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 131(2018)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000533356.63869.cf
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Differences in contraception usage by race have been documented, but studies evaluating patient attitudes toward intrauterine devices (IUDs) have not assessed racial differences. Since patient attitudes influence usage, we evaluated how attitudes toward IUDs differed based on patient race/ethnicity. METHODS: From June 13 to July 18, 2016, all women in an obstetrics & gynecology outpatient office of a large urban academic medical center were asked to participate in a 94 question survey. Women were excluded if they could not read English or were younger than 14 years of age. Surveys included questions about demographic characteristics and knowledge and opinions of IUDs. We performed exploratory bivariable analysis using t tests and chi square testing to determine which outcomes differed by participant race. For those appearing to differ significantly, we performed regression analysis to assess for confounding by other factors. RESULTS: Of 1, 366 women approached, 521 completed the survey. Our sample was 46% White, 42% Black/African-American, 7% Asian, and 5% other. Questions assessing knowledge about IUDs did not differ significantly based on race, but black women were significantly more likely to perceive that they had less or insufficient knowledge about IUDs compared to white women (OR 1.91 CI 1.06 -3.46). Black women had a more negative opinion of IUD safety (OR 5.0, CI 2.35-10.66) and reliability (OR 5.5, CI 2.20-14.13) than white women. CONCLUSION: While knowledge about IUDs is similar between races, black women may have more negative opinions of IUDs, which should be taken into consideration when performing contraceptive counseling.