The levonorgestrel intrauterine device in Australia: analysis of prescribing data 2008–2012
Abstract Background Unplanned pregnancy is a significant problem in Australia. Local data pertaining to use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine device (LNG-IUD), and associated factors are limited. The aim of this analysis was to calculate prescribing rates of the LNG-IUD in Australia, inc...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2018-11-01
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| Series: | BMC Women's Health |
| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12905-018-0680-3 |
| _version_ | 1811207307784093696 |
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| author | Amie L. Bingham Cameryn C. Garrett Christine Bayly Anne M. Kavanagh Louise A. Keogh Rebecca J. Bentley Jane S. Hocking |
| author_facet | Amie L. Bingham Cameryn C. Garrett Christine Bayly Anne M. Kavanagh Louise A. Keogh Rebecca J. Bentley Jane S. Hocking |
| author_sort | Amie L. Bingham |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Unplanned pregnancy is a significant problem in Australia. Local data pertaining to use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine device (LNG-IUD), and associated factors are limited. The aim of this analysis was to calculate prescribing rates of the LNG-IUD in Australia, including trends in prescribing and associations with socio-demographic factors, in order to increase understanding regarding potential use. Methods We examined prescriptions for the LNG-IUD recorded in the national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 2008 to 2012. Prescribing trends were examined according to patient age, remoteness of residential location, and proximity to relevant specialist health services. Associations between these factors and prescription rates were examined using poisson regression. Analyses were stratified by 5-year age-groups. Results Age-adjusted prescription rates rose from 11.50 per 1000 women aged 15–49 (95% CI: 11.41–11.59) in 2008 to 15.95 (95% CI:15.85–16.01) in 2012. Prescription rates increased most among 15–19-year-olds but remain very low at 2.76 per 1000 women (95% CI: 2.52–3.01). Absolute increases in prescriptions were greatest among 40–44-year-olds, rising from 16.73 per 1000 women in 2008 (95% CI: 16.12–17.34) to 23.77 in 2012 (95% CI: 22.58–24.29). Rates increased significantly within all geographical locations (p < 0.01). Non-metropolitan location was significantly associated with increased prescribing rates, the association diminishing with increasing age groups. Conclusions Prescription of LNG-IUD in Australia is very low, especially among young women and those in major cities. Service providers and young women may benefit from targeted education outlining use of the LNG-IUD, strengthened training and referral pathways. Disparities in prescription according to location require further investigation. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T04:02:12Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-c966804c397e447c9733ed106a710586 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6874 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T04:02:12Z |
| publishDate | 2018-11-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Women's Health |
| spelling | doaj.art-c966804c397e447c9733ed106a7105862022-12-22T03:48:42ZengBMCBMC Women's Health1472-68742018-11-011811710.1186/s12905-018-0680-3The levonorgestrel intrauterine device in Australia: analysis of prescribing data 2008–2012Amie L. Bingham0Cameryn C. Garrett1Christine Bayly2Anne M. Kavanagh3Louise A. Keogh4Rebecca J. Bentley5Jane S. Hocking6Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of MelbourneCentre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of MelbourneThe Royal Women’s HospitalCentre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of MelbourneCentre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of MelbourneCentre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of MelbourneCentre for Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of MelbourneAbstract Background Unplanned pregnancy is a significant problem in Australia. Local data pertaining to use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine device (LNG-IUD), and associated factors are limited. The aim of this analysis was to calculate prescribing rates of the LNG-IUD in Australia, including trends in prescribing and associations with socio-demographic factors, in order to increase understanding regarding potential use. Methods We examined prescriptions for the LNG-IUD recorded in the national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 2008 to 2012. Prescribing trends were examined according to patient age, remoteness of residential location, and proximity to relevant specialist health services. Associations between these factors and prescription rates were examined using poisson regression. Analyses were stratified by 5-year age-groups. Results Age-adjusted prescription rates rose from 11.50 per 1000 women aged 15–49 (95% CI: 11.41–11.59) in 2008 to 15.95 (95% CI:15.85–16.01) in 2012. Prescription rates increased most among 15–19-year-olds but remain very low at 2.76 per 1000 women (95% CI: 2.52–3.01). Absolute increases in prescriptions were greatest among 40–44-year-olds, rising from 16.73 per 1000 women in 2008 (95% CI: 16.12–17.34) to 23.77 in 2012 (95% CI: 22.58–24.29). Rates increased significantly within all geographical locations (p < 0.01). Non-metropolitan location was significantly associated with increased prescribing rates, the association diminishing with increasing age groups. Conclusions Prescription of LNG-IUD in Australia is very low, especially among young women and those in major cities. Service providers and young women may benefit from targeted education outlining use of the LNG-IUD, strengthened training and referral pathways. Disparities in prescription according to location require further investigation.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12905-018-0680-3 |
| spellingShingle | Amie L. Bingham Cameryn C. Garrett Christine Bayly Anne M. Kavanagh Louise A. Keogh Rebecca J. Bentley Jane S. Hocking The levonorgestrel intrauterine device in Australia: analysis of prescribing data 2008–2012 BMC Women's Health |
| title | The levonorgestrel intrauterine device in Australia: analysis of prescribing data 2008–2012 |
| title_full | The levonorgestrel intrauterine device in Australia: analysis of prescribing data 2008–2012 |
| title_fullStr | The levonorgestrel intrauterine device in Australia: analysis of prescribing data 2008–2012 |
| title_full_unstemmed | The levonorgestrel intrauterine device in Australia: analysis of prescribing data 2008–2012 |
| title_short | The levonorgestrel intrauterine device in Australia: analysis of prescribing data 2008–2012 |
| title_sort | levonorgestrel intrauterine device in australia analysis of prescribing data 2008 2012 |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12905-018-0680-3 |
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