The Impact of Health Insurance Status on Delays in Accessing Preferred Contraceptive Choices Among Women in South Carolina and Alabama
Abstract
Access to timely and preferred contraceptive methods is essential for women’s autonomy and well-being, yet insurance coverage remains a key determinant of access. This study examines the extent to which delays in obtaining desired birth control differ by insurance type among women in South Carolina (SC) and Alabama (AL). Using data from a cross-sectional statewide survey on contraceptive use in SC and AL, we conducted descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the relationship between insurance status and reported delays in obtaining contraception. The outcome variable was self-reported contraceptive delays, while the key independent variable was insurance type, categorized as private, Medicaid, other public insurance, other insurance, and uninsured. The study included 7,251 women aged 18-44, equally divided between SC and AL. Overall, 9.63% of women reported delays in obtaining contraception, with the highest rates observed among uninsured women (18.46%, p=0.0000) and young women (18-24) (14.25%, p=0.0000). There was no difference by state (SC: 10%, AL: 9.13%, p = 0.3313). Of specific interest is the role of insurance coverage among women, with the proportion of women reporting delays being among Medicaid 11.48%, other public insurance 12.06%, other insurance 8.25% and no insurance 18.46% than what was observed among private insurance (8.11%; p= 0.0000]. After adjusting for covariates (age, income, education and race/ethnicity), this relationship remains significant for only uninsured women (AOR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.63–3.50, p < 0.0001) and women with other public insurance (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09–2.09, p = 0.013). Uninsured women face the greatest barriers to timely and desired contraception access, followed by those on non-Medicaid public insurance. While Medicaid enrollment did not significantly increase delays, findings suggest that publicly insured women still encounter obstacles to obtaining contraception. These disparities underscore the need for policy interventions, such as expanding affordable contraceptive programs.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 10:00 AM
Room Number
311
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Health
Faculty Mentor
Nathan Hale
The Impact of Health Insurance Status on Delays in Accessing Preferred Contraceptive Choices Among Women in South Carolina and Alabama
311
Access to timely and preferred contraceptive methods is essential for women’s autonomy and well-being, yet insurance coverage remains a key determinant of access. This study examines the extent to which delays in obtaining desired birth control differ by insurance type among women in South Carolina (SC) and Alabama (AL). Using data from a cross-sectional statewide survey on contraceptive use in SC and AL, we conducted descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the relationship between insurance status and reported delays in obtaining contraception. The outcome variable was self-reported contraceptive delays, while the key independent variable was insurance type, categorized as private, Medicaid, other public insurance, other insurance, and uninsured. The study included 7,251 women aged 18-44, equally divided between SC and AL. Overall, 9.63% of women reported delays in obtaining contraception, with the highest rates observed among uninsured women (18.46%, p=0.0000) and young women (18-24) (14.25%, p=0.0000). There was no difference by state (SC: 10%, AL: 9.13%, p = 0.3313). Of specific interest is the role of insurance coverage among women, with the proportion of women reporting delays being among Medicaid 11.48%, other public insurance 12.06%, other insurance 8.25% and no insurance 18.46% than what was observed among private insurance (8.11%; p= 0.0000]. After adjusting for covariates (age, income, education and race/ethnicity), this relationship remains significant for only uninsured women (AOR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.63–3.50, p < 0.0001) and women with other public insurance (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09–2.09, p = 0.013). Uninsured women face the greatest barriers to timely and desired contraception access, followed by those on non-Medicaid public insurance. While Medicaid enrollment did not significantly increase delays, findings suggest that publicly insured women still encounter obstacles to obtaining contraception. These disparities underscore the need for policy interventions, such as expanding affordable contraceptive programs.