Parallels between Poor Internet Accessibility of LARC Information and West Virginia Teen Pregnancy

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) education on the websites of each of the West Virginia county health departments, and to determine if lack of readily accessible LARC information coincides with higher teenage pregnancy rates. Methods The West Virginia University National Center for Excellence in Women’s Health investigated how many county health department websites had easily accessible references on their websites about birth control and specific information about LARC. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine relationships between fixed broadband internet access and the teenage pregnancy and birth rates for females. Results These data demonstrate a significant correlation between increased percentages of the population without fixed broadband internet access, and the birth and pregnancy rates of females age 10 to 19, and show that only 12 of 55 counties provided accessible information on LARC, the most effective method of contraception. Conclusions In summary, we believe West Virginia should facilitate sustained internet access to its citizens. In order to help overcome communication and access barriers the state should provide consistent education on all health department websites regarding birth control options and how to use them.