Postpartum Contraception Use by Urban/Rural Status: An Analysis of the Michigan Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Data

Abstract Objective We sought to examine rural/urban differences in postpartum contraceptive use, which are underexplored in the literature. Methods We analyzed phase 5 (2004–2008) of the Michigan Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey. Using Rural–Urban Commuting Area codes and weighted multinomial logistic regression, we examined the association between self-reported postpartum contraceptive method and rural/urban residence among postpartum women not desiring pregnancy ( n = 6,468). Results Postpartum (mean, 16.5 weeks after delivery), 14.4% of respondents were using sterilization, 6.7% long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), 37.3% moderately effective hormonal methods, 38.4% less effective methods or no method, and 3.2% abstinence. Multivariable analysis yielded sporadic geographic patterns. Odds of method use varied significantly by age, parity, body mass index, and breastfeeding status. Not discussing contraception with a prenatal healthcare provider decreased odds of postpartum LARC use (odds ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.36–0.75). Number of prenatal visits and weeks since delivery were not associated with postpartum contraception method. Conclusions We did not observe strong variation in postpartum contraceptive use based on geography. Low uptake of highly effective contraception across rural and urban areas suggests a need for education and outreach regarding these methods.