ABSTRACT
To assess the use of oral contraceptives (OC) in adolescents, using data from a longitudinal, population-based pediatric cohort study (LIFE Child). We also investigated associations between OC use and socioeconomic status (SES), and associations between OC use and potential adverse drug reactions such as effects on blood pressure. We included 609 female participants of the LIFE Child cohort, aged ≥13 to <21 years, who visited the study center between 2012 and 2019. Data collection compromised drug use in the past 14 days, SES, and anthropometric data such as blood pressure. An analysis of covariance was used to detect potential associations between participants' blood pressure and OC. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (aOR) adjusted for age and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The prevalence of OC use was 25.8%. OC intake was less common in participants with a high SES (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.15, 0.62). The mean age at OC initiation did not change between 2012 and 2019. We observed an increased use of second-generation OC (2013: 17.9%, 2019: 48.5%; p = 0.013) and a decreased use of fourth-generation OC (2013: 71.8%, 2019: 45.5%; p = 0.027). We found a higher systolic (mean: 111.74 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic (69.15 mmHg, p = 0.004) blood pressure in OC users compared to non-users (systolic: 108.60 mmHg; diastolic: 67.24 mmHg). Every fourth adolescent took an OC. The share of second-generation OC increased during the study period. OC intake was associated with low SES. OC users had a slightly higher blood pressure than non-users.
ABSTRACT
Background: Nowadays, most women of reproductive age utilize various methods of contraception to avoid undesired pregnancy and regulate menstrual cycles. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate current sexual patterns, menstrual health status and use of contraceptive methods in reproductive aged females in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the period between February 21st and March 5th 2022 via an online anonymous questionnaire which was distributed using social media platforms. Results: Menstrual periods were normally regular in 269 (85.7 %) of the females, whereas 45 (14.3 %) experienced irregular menstrual cycles. Females report having either one sexual partner 149 (47.5%) or no sexual partners 76 (24.2%) and typically no 92 (29.3%) or frequent (more than 8 sexual intercourses) sexual intercourses per month. The usage of contraceptive methods was reported among the majority 212 (67.5%) and mostly by using of male condom 104 (33.1%), followed by the withdrawal method 64 (20.4%), oral contraceptive pills 35 (11.1%), emergency contraceptive pills "after 24h" 2 (0.6%) and intrauterine device 7 (2.2%). The usage of contraceptive methods was higher among younger females (X2=18.07, p<0.001) and among those who were employed (X2=10.86, p<0.001). Those who used oral contraceptive pills used mostly pills that are combination of progesterone and oestrogen 32 (91.4%) and for the purpose of regulation of menstrual cycles 26 (74.2%) and to prevent unwanted pregnancies 9 (25.8%). Females who had no sexual intercourses per month (OR+0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.79, p=0.018) were less likely, while those who had irregular menstrual cycles (OR=2.44, 95% CI 1.04-5.71, p=0.039) were more prone to use oral contraceptive pills. Conclusion: Bosnia and Herzegovina reproductive aged female had relatively regular menstrual cycles, the majority used modern contraceptive methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies or for the regulation of menstrual cycles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subject(s)
Computer-Assisted Instruction , Intrauterine Devices , Students, Medical , Contraception , Female , HumansABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Changes in legislation due to COVID-19 led to the introduction of telemedicine for early medical abortion (EMA) at home in Scotland. The opportunity to provide contraception at presentation may be more limited with this model of care. We compared contraceptive use immediately post-abortion with 3-6 months later to determine if contraceptive needs were being met. METHODS: We contacted 579 women by telephone call or text message who agreed to be involved in a service evaluation of telemedicine EMA in NHS Lothian at 3-6 months post-abortion. A research nurse administered a questionnaire on the women's current contraception use. The research nurses also offered women support in switching or initiating contraception via the abortion service if desired. RESULTS: The response rate to the contact was 57% (331/579). Under a third of the women (30%, 98/331) were using the progestogen-only pill (POP) at 3-6 month follow-up, a significant decrease (p<0.00) compared with 65% (215/331) who were provided with POP at the time of abortion. Thirty-nine women (12%) were provided with contraception through this telephone contact, leading to a significant increase in the proportion using subdermal implants, the progestogen injectable or intrauterine contraception. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there was a decrease in the use of the POP 3-6 months after telemedicine EMA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telephone contact at 3-6 months to facilitate obtaining contraception may be a promising strategy to improve access to effective methods with this model of abortion care.