Social Network Influences on Young Women's Choice to Use Long‐Acting Reversible Contraception: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC; including intrauterine devices and implants) is recommended as the first-line contraceptive choice by several professional organizations (eg, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists); however, rates of uptake are lower than those of other contraceptive methods. A young woman's social network may influence the decision to use LARC. The purpose of this review was to determine the role of health care providers (HCPs), family, peers, and sexual partner(s) on young women's decisions to initiate LARC.Methods: Several databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched for articles published between 2000 and 2020 that studied the social network influences of HCPs, family, peers, and sexual partner(s) on LARC initiation among women in the United States aged 18 to 25. A narrative synthesis of the included articles was conducted.Results: Twenty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria (21 qualitative, 6 quantitative, 2 mixed methods). HCPs are an important influence on a young woman's LARC decision-making. Peers and family also have a role but were often sources of negative or inaccurate information. Gaps in the literature were identified, including a lack of data on implant users and a dearth of studies on the role of sexual partner influence; most studies were not guided by theory. Discussion: HCPs are integral to LARC initiation and may be more influential than other social network members. Future research should focus on understanding how social network members interact to result in LARC initiation. Gaining insight into these influences may improve existing interventions or contribute to the development of new interventions and ultimately promote LARC use among young women.

Using the Social-Ecological Model to Understand the Current Perspective of Contraceptive Use in the United States: A Narrative Literature Review

“…In addition, family and friends' perspectives of contraception may influence contraceptive selection and continuation. A recent review of the impact of social networks on contraceptive use found that families were more likely to disseminate inaccurate or negative information about LARC [23]. This highlights the importance for healthcare providers to identify strategies to dispel negative information consistently.…”

“…• Supportive relationships from parents, friends, and healthcare professionals [23,32] • Trust of provider [23,29] Institutional…”

Trusted contraception information sources for individuals with opioid use disorder

“…13 Patients make contraceptive decisions informed by the recommendation of medical professionals, but also with the input of partners, friends, family, and social media networks. [14][15][16][17][18] Yet little is known about the contraceptive information sources valued by individuals with OUD. As such, we sought to understand patient perspectives on trusted sources of contraception information for pregnancy-capable individuals with OUD.…”

“…Patients make contraceptive decisions informed by the recommendation of medical professionals, but also with the input of partners, friends, family, and social media networks 14–18 . Yet little is known about the contraceptive information sources valued by individuals with OUD.…”

Factors associated with long‐acting reversible contraception usage: Results from the National Survey of Family Growth

“…10,11 While their efficacy and safety are well known, limited data are available on the factors associated with using LARC. 9,12 While six in 10 women in the United States have an ongoing or potential need for contraceptive services, 13 currently published data on the topic have several limitations, including limited information regarding factors associated with LARC usage 9 and focusing on barriers in specific age populations such as adolescents [14][15][16] or during the postpartum period. 17,18 Given these shortcomings, and to potentially decrease the rate of unintended pregnancies, an understanding of the usage of reliable methods of contraception is warranted.…”