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May 9, 2026Australian Journal of Primary Health0 citationsOpen Access

Exploring knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions influencing the use of long-acting reversible contraception among females in Australia: a scoping review

NSN ShibuMonash University RCRobin CheahMonash University SCSharinne CrawfordMonash University

Key Points

This review aims to summarize contemporary Australian evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, and misconceptions influencing the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) among females.
Conducted a scoping review across PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Embase.
Identified primary studies published between January 2014 and September 2024.
Data were independently extracted by two reviewers and synthesized using a textual narrative approach.
Fourteen studies were included showing variable awareness of LARC among participants.
Participants reported misconceptions related to safety, mechanism of action, and reliability.
Attitudes were influenced by concerns about side effects and lack of education regarding LARC.

Abstract

Background Uptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in Australia remains low despite strong guideline support for its effectiveness and safety. Knowledge gaps, misconceptions and attitudes among females may influence contraceptive choices. This scoping review summarises contemporary Australian evidence on knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions influencing LARC use among females. Methods A scoping review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE and Embase to identify primary studies published between January 2014 and September 2024 that reported on knowledge, attitudes or misconceptions regarding LARC among females in Australia. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and synthesised using a textual narrative approach. Results Fourteen studies were included. Across studies, participants demonstrated variable awareness of LARC, and reported multiple misconceptions relating to safety, mechanism of action, reliability and eligibility. Attitudes were shaped by concerns about bodily autonomy, insertion pain, side-effects and changes to bleeding patterns. Limited discussions of LARC in general practice and insufficient school-based education contributed to gaps in knowledge. Cultural beliefs, particularly among females from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, played a significant role in shaping perceptions of LARC. Conclusion Knowledge gaps, misconceptions and cultural influences continue to affect LARC perceptions among females in Australia. Strengthening school-based contraceptive education, ensuring culturally responsive health promotion and supporting consistent, guideline-aligned counselling in primary care may enhance informed contraceptive decision-making and support increased LARC uptake. Addressing modifiable knowledge and communication barriers across educational, community and primary-care settings may improve equitable access to evidence-based contraceptive information, and support reproductive autonomy for females in Australia.

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