LARC can reduce unintended pregnancies, but these methods are under-used in the UK. Researches conducted this study to inform a campaign planned to increase awareness of LAR. Eight focus discussion groups with 55 women in two cities. Trained interviewers sought spontaneous views of unintended pregnancy and contraception in general, condoms and pills in particular, and attitudes towards health professionals giving contraceptive advice.
Women recognized the importance of using contraception but admitted to taking risks. Pills and condoms were familiar and acceptable despite undesirable side effects. Women were poorly informed about LARC, had firm but incorrect beliefs about their safety and side effects, disliked any method that involved an invasive procedure and vaginal examination, and had a low opinion of advice given by health professionals. Accurate information was not wholly successful in dispelling negative views of LARC.
The study concluded that many factors influence contraceptive choice. Attitudes towards methods are complex and may be difficult to change. Some barriers to LARC, including the need to see a health professional, cannot be overcome but giving more information about ease of use, reversibility, effects on weight, and the positive experiences of other women, as well as describing these methods as lasting rather than long-acting, may help improve acceptability.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/34/4/213
