Differences in Unintended Pregnancies, Contraceptive Use Among Women Veterans

In a population of US military veterans, women who were Hispanic or non-Hispanic black were significantly more likely to report a history of unintended pregnancy and significantly less likely to have used prescription contraception in their last sexual encounter compared with women who were non-Hispanic white. Researchers published their findings online in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 

“Significant racial and ethnic differences exist in unintended pregnancy and contraceptive use among women veterans using Veterans Affairs (VA) care,” researchers wrote, “suggesting the need for interventions to address potential disparities.” 

The study identified history of unintended pregnancy and patterns of contraceptive use across racial and ethnic groups among 2302 women veterans who used VA primary care in the previous 12 months.

Nearly 94.4% of women veterans used contraception at their last sexual encounter, the study found. Overall, intrauterine devices (IUDs), female surgical sterilization, and birth control pills were the most frequently used contraceptive methods. 

Among Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and other non-Hispanic women, IUDs were most common method of contraception. Among non-Hispanic black women, meanwhile, female surgical sterilization was the most frequently used method, according to the study. Adjusted odds ratios for any history of unintended pregnancy were 1.60 for Hispanic women and 1.84 for non-Hispanic black women compared with non-Hispanic white women.

In a subcohort of 1341 women at risk of unintended pregnancy, rates of contraception used at last sexual encounter were similar across racial and ethnic groups. But when it came to using prescription contraceptive methods specifically, Hispanic women had a 0.51 adjusted odds ratio and non-Hispanic black women a 0.69 adjusted odds ratio compared with white women. 

“Improving access to and delivery of patient-centered reproductive goals assessment and contraceptive counseling that can address knowledge gaps while respectfully considering individual patient preferences is needed to support women veterans’ decision-making and ensure equitable reproductive health services across VA,” researchers advised.  —Jolynn Tumolo