Low socioeconomic status is associated with a higher incidence of unintended pregnancy, despite the removal of cost barriers, a recent study found. The secondary analysis of data from the Contraceptive CHOICE project from 2007 to 2011 included 9,256 participants recruited and followed for up to 3 years. Primary outcome was unintended pregnancy with the primary exposure variable as low socioeconomic status. 4 contraceptive groups were evaluated: 1) long-acting reversible contraceptive method; 2) depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection; 3) oral contraceptive pills, a transdermal patch, or a vaginal ring; or 4) other or no method. Researchers found:

• There were 515 unintended pregnancies among participants with low socioeconomic status during 14,001 women-years of follow-up vs 200 unintended pregnancies during 10,296 women-years among those without low socioeconomic status.
• Women with low socioeconomic status were more likely to have an unintended pregnancy (HR, 1.8).
• After adjusting for age, education level, insurance status, and history of unintended pregnancy, low socioeconomic status was associated with increased risk of unintended pregnancy (aHR, 1.4).