Aanchal Sharma1,2, Edward McCabe3, Sona Jani3, Anthony Gonzalez4, Seleshi Demissie5, April Lee3. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA. aanchal10@gmail.com. 2. Department of Developmental Medicine, Boston Childrens Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. aanchal10@gmail.com. 3. Division of Adolescent Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA. 4. Department of Research, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA. 5. Biostatistics Unit, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite endorsements supporting the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for adolescents and young adult women (AYA), they have limited knowledge about them Male partners can influence contraceptive decisions, however their perceived knowledge about IUDs is lower than their objective knowledge. We aim to establish current AYA baseline contraceptive knowledge and attitudes so providers can better target their sexual health educational interventions. METHODS: Females and males, aged 13 to 23 years old, from our suburban adolescent clinic, completed an anonymous survey that assessed their knowledge and attitudes towards methods of contraception, with an emphasis on the IUD. RESULTS: Completed surveys totaled 130 (99 females/31 males). Demographic results revealed 31.3% Black/African-American, 30.5% Latino/Hispanic, 17.6% White, 3.0% Asian, and 14.5% Other. The majority of participants (80%) were sexually active. The majority (69.5%) stated they/their partner were currently using a contraceptive method; only 2.6% used IUDs. Half of females (56.6%) and 10.1% of males had heard of IUDs. Despite this, male and female participants lacked knowledge regarding specific IUD facts. Of the participants who had used emergency contraception (EC), only 6.4% knew the copper IUD could be used for EC. CONCLUSION: Contraceptive knowledge deficits, especially regarding the IUD, continue to exist for AYA patients. Many participants stated they required EC despite "satisfaction" with their birth control method(s) and most were unaware that the copper IUD could be used as EC. These discrepancies highlight the importance of comprehensive contraceptive education for AYA patients. Enhanced and consistent contraceptive options counseling can help providers ensure that their AYA patients make well-informed decisions about family planning, thus improving their quality of life.
BACKGROUND: Despite endorsements supporting the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for adolescents and young adult women (AYA), they have limited knowledge about them Male partners can influence contraceptive decisions, however their perceived knowledge about IUDs is lower than their objective knowledge. We aim to establish current AYA baseline contraceptive knowledge and attitudes so providers can better target their sexual health educational interventions. METHODS: Females and males, aged 13 to 23 years old, from our suburban adolescent clinic, completed an anonymous survey that assessed their knowledge and attitudes towards methods of contraception, with an emphasis on the IUD. RESULTS: Completed surveys totaled 130 (99 females/31 males). Demographic results revealed 31.3% Black/African-American, 30.5% Latino/Hispanic, 17.6% White, 3.0% Asian, and 14.5% Other. The majority of participants (80%) were sexually active. The majority (69.5%) stated they/their partner were currently using a contraceptive method; only 2.6% used IUDs. Half of females (56.6%) and 10.1% of males had heard of IUDs. Despite this, male and female participants lacked knowledge regarding specific IUD facts. Of the participants who had used emergency contraception (EC), only 6.4% knew the copper IUD could be used for EC. CONCLUSION: Contraceptive knowledge deficits, especially regarding the IUD, continue to exist for AYApatients. Many participants stated they required EC despite "satisfaction" with their birth control method(s) and most were unaware that the copper IUD could be used as EC. These discrepancies highlight the importance of comprehensive contraceptive education for AYApatients. Enhanced and consistent contraceptive options counseling can help providers ensure that their AYApatients make well-informed decisions about family planning, thus improving their quality of life.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adolescent health; Contraception; IUD; Reproduction; Sexual health
Authors: Amy K Whitaker; Lisa M Johnson; Bryna Harwood; Laurel Chiappetta; Mitchell D Creinin; Melanie A Gold Journal: Contraception Date: 2008-07-03 Impact factor: 3.375
Authors: Tia M Alton; Guy N Brock; Dake Yang; Danica A Wilking; S Paige Hertweck; Meredith B Loveless Journal: J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol Date: 2012-06 Impact factor: 1.814