Factors related to delays in obtaining contraception among pregnancy-capable adults in New York state during the COVID-19 pandemic: The CAP study

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate factors associated with delays to obtaining contraception during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnancy-capable adults in New York State.

Study design: We administered a cross-sectional survey in June-July 2020 to female/transgender male New York State residents aged 18-44 years (n = 1,525). This analysis focused on respondents who were not pregnant and sought contraception (n = 953). We conducted bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses to assess sociodemographic, social, and health characteristics, by the outcome of delays to obtaining birth control (delayed due to COVID-19, delayed due to other reasons, no delay). We also analyzed a sub-sample who reported COVID-19 as a reason for delays (n = 317) and report the frequencies of type of contraceptive methods/procedures delayed and availability of telemedicine visits.

Results: Half of respondents had no contraceptive delays, 39% reported delays due to COVID-19, and 11% reported delays due to reasons other than COVID-19. In adjusted analyses, those who missed a rent/mortgage payment during the pandemic (aOR: 2.23; CI: 1.55, 3.22), participated in a supplemental government program in 2019 (aOR: 1.88; CI: 1.36, 2.60), and themselves/household member had COVID-19 (aOR: 1.48; CI: 1.04, 2.12) were more likely to report delays to contraception due to COVID-19 (versus no delays). In the sub-sample, 63% reported available virtual contraceptive visits, 28% unavailable, and 9% not sure. The most frequently (42%) reported delays were new prescriptions for the pill, patch, or ring.

Conclusions: Reducing financial barriers that help individuals maintain their housing and living necessities, and promoting telemedicine visits, may help increase access to contraception.

Keywords: Access; Barriers; Birth control; COVID-19; Contraception; Telemedicine.