Estimating the Relative Cost Effectiveness of Four Contraceptive Methods in the Prevention of Unwanted Pregnancies within Department of Defense Active-Duty Women

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative cost effectiveness of depomedroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA), levonorgestrel subdermal implant (LSI), oral tri-phasic tablets (OTPT), and the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. A further purpose of this research was to estimate the impact each alternative has on the total direct medical costs associated with unwanted pregnancies. DESIGN: Decision analysis, using published clinical outcome probability estimates and actual provider cost data to compare the relative cost effectiveness of the four alternatives. PATIENTS/SETTING: This research was conducted from the perspective of the provider, Department of Defense (DoD) medical treatment facilities. The patients studied were active-duty women in military service receiving contraceptive services. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The average cost per patient for four contraceptive measures. All costs are actual costs to the provider and were provided by 000 Resource Management personnel us...