LARC is the most effective form of contraception but use in Australia is low. The uptake of LARC prescribing by early-career GPs has important implications for community reproductive health. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and associations of Australian GP registrars’ LARC prescribing.
A cross-sectional analysis of the ReCEnT cohort study. GP registrars collected data on 60 consecutive consultations on three occasions during their training. The outcome factor was the prescription of LARC. A secondary analysis was performed with problems involving the prescription of LARC. Associations with patient, practice, registrar, and consultation independent variables were assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression.
1737 registrars recorded 5382 problems/diagnoses involving women aged 12–55 years in which contraception was prescribed. 1356 involved LARC. Significant multivariable associations of prescribing LARC were identified.
The findings of the study concluded that the prevalence of LARC prescribing by Australian GP registrars is higher than has been previously estimated in established GPs. Postgraduate qualifications in reproductive health care associated with prescribing LARC. Prescribing practice differs according to rurality and relative socioeconomic disadvantage.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/46/3/218
