Contraception Use and Preferences Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Reached Through a Menstrual Health Street Medicine Team

Objectives. Contraceptive use among unhoused pregnancy-capable individuals remains understudied. This study examines contraceptive use, barriers, and preferences among these individuals. Study design. A 19-question survey was administered to 52 unhoused pregnancy-capable individuals in Phoenix, Arizona, assessing contraceptive use, access, and preferences for future contraceptive care and education. Results. Overall, 60% reported contraceptive use. While 67% wanted to avoid pregnancy, 10% desired it. The most used methods were barrier contraception (52%), abstinence (25%), and surgical sterilization (19%). Six percent used an intrauterine device (IUD); none used etonogestrel implants. Transportation (29%) and cost (25%) were the primary barriers to access. Participants preferred accessing contraception (63%) and receiving education (42%) from health care providers rather than street medicine teams or volunteers. Conclusions. Unhoused individuals reported different contraceptive patterns from the general population and preferred licensed providers for contraceptive care. Transportation and cost were the primary barriers to accessing care.