Characteristics of Women in the United States Who Use Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods

Megan L. Kavanaugh, Guttmacher Institute
Jenna Jerman, Guttmacher Institute
David Hubacher, FHI 360

We analyzed data on current contraceptive use from women ages 15-44 in the 2002 and 2006-2008 cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth. We conducted logistic regression analyses to identify demographic and reproductive health characteristics predictive of LARC use and changes in these characteristics between 2002 and 2006-2008. LARC use among contracepting U.S. women increased from 2.4% in 2002 to 5.6% in 2006-2008. The largest increases occurred among the youngest and oldest age groups, non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women, U.S.-born women and those in the highest income group. High prevalence of LARC use in 2006-2008 was seen among women who had given birth once or twice (10%), foreign-born women (8.8%) and Hispanic women (8.4%). A more diverse population of women used LARC in 2006-2008, as compared to 2002. However, there is likely more potential for increased voluntary uptake, especially among populations historically not considered candidates for LARC methods.