Research Lead: Cynthia J. Mollen, M.D., M.S.C.E.
Study Team: Melissa Miller, M.D., Katie L. Hayes, and Frances K. Barg, Ph.D.
Sponsored By: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Emergency Medicine
Dates: June 2008 – December 2009
Background
Each year, approximately 750,000 young women between 15 and 19 years old become pregnant, and both the prevalence and cost of adolescent pregnancy are high. While Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy, use of EC among adolescents in the United States is low. Studies suggest that the limited use of EC among young women is due in part to lack of knowledge and attitudinal concerns.
Aims
- Evaluate urban adolescents’ knowledge of and attitudes about EC
- Assess urban adolescents’ intention to use EC in particular hypothetical situations
Methods
Study design: A cross-sectional survey based on prior research with the target population and the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Participants were initially asked questions about their sexual history and knowledge of EC. After completion of the knowledge questions, participants were read an informational paragraph about EC and asked questions about their attitudes about and intentions to use EC.
Population: 168 English-speaking, female adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19 years old who presented for care at two urban pediatric emergency departments.
Progress
Data analysis is complete.
Dissemination
Mollen CJ, Miller M, Hayes KL, Barg FK. Emergency Contraception: What do Adolescents’ Think? Presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting, Pediatric Academic Societies, Vancouver, Canada, May 1-4, 2010.
Relevant Resources
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, US Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010: objectives for improving health, focus area 9—family planning. Available at: www.healthypeople.gov/Document/HTML/Volume1/09Family.htm. Accessed April 7, 2007.
