Eleanor B Schwarz1, Mindy Sobota2, Denise Charron-Prochownik1. 1. The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Schwarz, Dr Charron-Prochownik) 2. The Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon (Dr Sobota).
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess beliefs, perceived access to, and practices regarding contraception among adolescent women with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Eighty-nine females with type 1 diabetes between the ages of 13 and 19 years, who were recruited from 2 endocrinology practices as part of a larger study, completed a battery of questionnaires designed to assess variables relevant to discussions of sexuality, preconception counseling, contraception, and pregnancy. In addition, items were designed to explore adolescents' relationship with their health care provider and comfort requesting birth control. Baseline data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Half of the sexually active adolescents in this sample reported having had sex without birth control at a time they were trying to avoid pregnancy. A third (36%) of subjects felt that women with diabetes have very limited choices of birth control, and 43% incorrectly believe that all birth control methods are less effective when used by women with diabetes. Less than half (47%) reported that they had discussed birth control with a health care professional, and 29% of subjects reported they had not received formal instruction on birth control in any setting. Perhaps of greatest concern, only 69% stated they would feel comfortable asking a professional for birth control. CONCLUSION: Many adolescent women with diabetes are at risk of unintended pregnancy and do not feel comfortable asking a health professional for birth control. Diabetes educators who initiate preconception counseling at puberty and discuss contraceptive options with adolescent women with diabetes may improve pregnancy outcomes.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess beliefs, perceived access to, and practices regarding contraception among adolescent women with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Eighty-nine females with type 1 diabetes between the ages of 13 and 19 years, who were recruited from 2 endocrinology practices as part of a larger study, completed a battery of questionnaires designed to assess variables relevant to discussions of sexuality, preconception counseling, contraception, and pregnancy. In addition, items were designed to explore adolescents' relationship with their health care provider and comfort requesting birth control. Baseline data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Half of the sexually active adolescents in this sample reported having had sex without birth control at a time they were trying to avoid pregnancy. A third (36%) of subjects felt that women with diabetes have very limited choices of birth control, and 43% incorrectly believe that all birth control methods are less effective when used by women with diabetes. Less than half (47%) reported that they had discussed birth control with a health care professional, and 29% of subjects reported they had not received formal instruction on birth control in any setting. Perhaps of greatest concern, only 69% stated they would feel comfortable asking a professional for birth control. CONCLUSION: Many adolescent women with diabetes are at risk of unintended pregnancy and do not feel comfortable asking a health professional for birth control. Diabetes educators who initiate preconception counseling at puberty and discuss contraceptive options with adolescent women with diabetes may improve pregnancy outcomes.
Authors: Cora Peterson; Scott D Grosse; Rui Li; Andrea J Sharma; Hilda Razzaghi; William H Herman; Suzanne M Gilboa Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2014-10-28 Impact factor: 8.661
Authors: Emily Johnson; Melissa DeJonckheere; Andrea L Oliverio; Kathryn S Brown; Murphy Van Sparrentak; Justine P Wu Journal: Diabet Med Date: 2020-11-06 Impact factor: 4.213