Incorrect beliefs about the contraceptive implant
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the prevalence of incorrect beliefs about the contraceptive implant in women of reproductive age attending Obstetric and Gynaecology out patient appointments at the West Suffolk Hospital
IRAS ID
125177
Contact name
Sarah Gull
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R&D Manager, West Suffolk Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Unintended pregnancy is common and a third of women blame contraceptive failure. Long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are superior to the oral contraceptive pill at reducing unintended pregnancies and are cost effective. However, despite this evidence and NICE recommendation, the uptake of LARCs is low.
LARCs, in contrast to barrier methods and the oral contraceptive pill, do not require daily concordance and hence reduce opportunities for incorrect or inconsistent usage. There are four types of LARCs: contraceptive implant, contraceptive injection, intrauterine device (IUD) and intrauterine system (IUS). This study focuses on the contraceptive implant. The implant, compared to other LARCs, has similar rates of acceptability and continuation.
This study aims to identify incorrect beliefs and their ability to influence a woman’s decision to use the implant. The results will help guide strategies to increase the uptake of LARCs and avoid unwanted fertility. This aim will be achieved through anonymous questionnaires of women attending obstetric and gynaecology outpatient appointments at a district general hospital. The questionnaire will ascertain the prevalence of beliefs and also their ability to influence the uptake of the contraceptive implant.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0506
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion