PURPOSE: To examine the factors related to adolescents' decisions to use the transdermal contraceptive patch (patch) so as to develop a model for understanding how adolescents decide to use new contraceptive methods. METHODS: We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 young women aged 15-21 years who had experience using the patch. Data were analyzed using a two-stage method informed by grounded theory. RESULTS: We constructed a two-level model, encompassing individual, social, and environmental factors, to explain adolescents' decisions to use a new method of hormonal contraception. Social and environmental influences on the decision-making process included media, social network experiences and opinions, healthcare providers, and partner relationships. These in turn affected the following individual factors in the decision to use the patch: individual characteristics, method knowledge and beliefs, method support, and past contraceptive experience. The newness of the patch permeated all levels of the decision-making process. CONCLUSIONS: This model provides a framework for understanding the use of new contraceptive methods and can inform clinical strategies for contraceptive counseling with adolescents.
PURPOSE: To examine the factors related to adolescents' decisions to use the transdermal contraceptive patch (patch) so as to develop a model for understanding how adolescents decide to use new contraceptive methods. METHODS: We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 young women aged 15-21 years who had experience using the patch. Data were analyzed using a two-stage method informed by grounded theory. RESULTS: We constructed a two-level model, encompassing individual, social, and environmental factors, to explain adolescents' decisions to use a new method of hormonal contraception. Social and environmental influences on the decision-making process included media, social network experiences and opinions, healthcare providers, and partner relationships. These in turn affected the following individual factors in the decision to use the patch: individual characteristics, method knowledge and beliefs, method support, and past contraceptive experience. The newness of the patch permeated all levels of the decision-making process. CONCLUSIONS: This model provides a framework for understanding the use of new contraceptive methods and can inform clinical strategies for contraceptive counseling with adolescents.
Authors: Sarah E Mennenga; Julia E Gerson; Stephanie V Koebele; Melissa L Kingston; Candy W S Tsang; Elizabeth B Engler-Chiurazzi; Leslie C Baxter; Heather A Bimonte-Nelson Journal: Psychoneuroendocrinology Date: 2015-01-12 Impact factor: 4.905