LARC is a cheap way to reduce unintended pregnancy. Abortion and teenage pregnancy rates are high in deprived areas. One possible explanation could be contraceptive prescribing inequality. Researchers did this study to examine the relationship between area deprivation measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation and LARC prescription.
Using Scottish electronic prescribing data from primary care and sexual and reproductive health clinics, this study analyzed female Lothian residents with a valid postcode who received a contraceptive prescription. The recommendation of LARC compared with non-LARC was examined. Logistic regression was performed, adjusting for age group and prescription location.
Ninety thousand one hundred fifty women in total were included. Women residing in the most deprived quintile and prescribed contraception received a significantly higher proportion of LARC than quintiles 2–5. Women in quintile 1 were also significantly more likely to receive vLARC than quintiles 2–5.
The study concluded that women in the most deprived quintile in Lothian who are prescribed contraception are significantly more likely to receive LARC and vLARC than women in less deprived quintiles.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/43/4/281
