Family Planning Practices among Women with Diabetes and Overweight and Obese Women in the 2002 National Survey for Family Growth

Abstract

Objective: To examine contraceptive practices among diabetic women and obese women.

Research Design and Methods: We analyzed the responses of 5,955 participants aged 20-44 years in the 2002 National Survey for Family Growth. Diabetes, BMI, desire for pregnancy, history of infertility treatment, sexual activity, parity, and demographic variables (age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, income, insurance, and smoking) were obtained by self-report. Lack of contraception was defined as absence of hormonal, barrier, or sterilization based methods. Associations between contraception, diabetes, and BMI category were assessed in multivariable logistic regression models among non-sterile sexually active women.

Results: In unadjusted comparisons among sexually active women who were not sterilized, women with diabetes were more likely to lack contraception than women without diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 2.61, 95% CI 1.22, 5.58). Women with BMIs ≥ 35 kg/m² were more likely to lack contraception compared to women with BMIs < 25 kg/m² (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.16, 2.28), but associations between contraception use and lesser degrees of overweight and obesity were not significant. In multivariable models, women who were older (≥30 years vs. 20-29 years), non-Hispanic black race, were cohabitating, had a history of infertility treatment, and desired or were ambivalent about pregnancy were significantly more likely to lack contraception. The association between diabetes, BMI, and contraception were no longer significant after these adjustments.

Conclusions: Older women with diabetes and obesity who desire pregnancy, regardless of pregnancy intention, should be targeted for preconceptive management.