Contraceptive choices and satisfaction: a cross-sectional analysis of sociodemographic influences.

Abstract

Introduction: Investigating factors associated with contraceptive satisfaction is important to create a basis for tailored contraceptive counseling. In this study, we aimed to explore how sociodemographic characteristics affected women's level of satisfaction and choice of different contraceptive methods, using data collected during a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in the region Örebro County, Sweden.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from a previously conducted RCT. Eligible participants were women aged 20-40 years who sought contraceptive counseling. All women who participated in the RCT and completed a follow-up questionnaire were included in the analysis.

Results: Between February 2015 and March 2016, 1,946, participants were enrolled in the trial, with 1,198 (61.6%) completing the 2-month follow-up questionnaire. Overall, 81.3% of women reported being 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their contraceptive method. Participants aged 27-40 years used long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) to a higher extent compared with those aged 20-26 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-2.56). Older age was associated with lower satisfaction (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33-0.94).Participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 more often used LARC (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.24-2.28) but were also more likely to report no use of contraceptives at all (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.01-2.43) compared with BMI < 25. The level of satisfaction tended to decrease with increasing BMI. Country of birth and educational level were not associated with satisfaction.

Conclusions: The use of LARC was more common among women with BMI ≥ 25 and older women. While BMI, education, and place of birth did not affect satisfaction, women aged 27-40 reported lower satisfaction. These findings contrast with prior studies and highlight the complex sociodemographic influences on contraception experiences.