Contraception Use and Preferences Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Reached Through a Menstrual Health Street Medicine Team.
Eisner, Anna Leah; Steed, Ashton Huppert; Salamanca, Becky; Allen, Marisol; Chen, Tristan; Jado, Isrealia; Pico, Annie; Miller, Catherine; Johnson, Kory; Fauer, Robert; Zeien, Justin; Hillier, Leah
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Contraceptive use among unhoused pregnancy-capable individuals remains understudied. This study examines contraceptive use, barriers, and preferences among these individuals. STUDY DESIGN: A 19-question survey was administered to 52 unhoused pregnancy-capable individuals in Phoenix, Arizona, assessing contraceptive use, access, and preferences for future contraceptive care and education. RESULTS: Overall, 60% reported contraceptive use. While 67% wanted to avoid pregnancy, 10% desired it. The most used methods were barrier contraception (52%), abstinence (25%), and surgical sterilization (19%). Six percent used an intrauterine device (IUD); none used etonogestrel implants. Transportation (29%) and cost (25%) were the primary barriers to access. Participants preferred accessing contraception (63%) and receiving education (42%) from health care providers rather than street medicine teams or volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Unhoused individuals reported different contraceptive patterns from the general population and preferred licensed providers for contraceptive care. Transportation and cost were the primary barriers to accessing care.