Long-acting reversible contraception use and unmet desire among patients after the Zika Contraception Access Network Program in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVES: To describe unmet desire for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) after the Zika Contraception Access Network (Z-CAN) in Puerto Rico during the 2016-2017 Zika outbreak. STUDY DESIGN: Z-CAN patients completed surveys about contraception experiences over a 3-year period. RESULTS: Of 1809 respondents, 3% never used LARC but reported wanting it since their initial visit. As reasons for not getting LARC, nearly 50% indicated a provider-related reason and 25% reported cost. CONCLUSIONS: Few Z-CAN patients who never used LARC had unmet desire. Provider training in contraception guidelines and strategies to address costs can expand access to the full range of reversible contraception. IMPLICATIONS: Three years after a short-term program provided reversible contraception in Puerto Rico, few respondents had never used but wanted a long-acting reversible contraception method. Nearly half reported provider-related reasons for not receiving long-acting reversible contraception, and 25% reported cost. Provider awareness of contraceptive guidance and method availability can support client-centered care.

Impact of the hands-on clinical training program for subdermic implant on contraceptive counseling and users' choice in Spain: A 6-month follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured subdermic implant training program on healthcare providers and its effect on the integration of this contraceptive method into patient counselling. STUDY DESIGN: The study was a longitudinal experiment with an intervention group, assessing changes at three points: before the training, immediately after, and six months later. The training consisted of a four-hour session combining theory and practical application, conducted by experts in contraception. RESULTS: Out of the participants, 376 healthcare professionals (a 34.3% response rate) completed the training and subsequent questionnaires. Post-training, there was an increase in the inclusion of the implant in contraceptive advice and a rise in the monthly number of implants. Knowledge about the implant, including insertion, positioning, removal, and replacement, significantly improved after six months (p<0.05), particularly among general practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: The training program successfully enhanced knowledge and handling of the contraceptive implant, leading to its increased recommendation by healthcare providers and selection by patients. Theoretical and practical training in contraception should be compulsory for healthcare providers involved in contraceptive counselling. IMPLICATIONS: A training program that includes lectures, video material, and hands-on demonstrations is effective for developing skills in administering the subdermic implant and its integration into contraceptive counselling. Such training should be regular and required for all healthcare professionals providing contraceptive advice.

Shortcomings and disparities in contraception counseling and use by hypertensive individuals at risk for unintended pregnancy: a comparative analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a leading cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These outcomes disproportionately affect Black individuals. Reproductive life planning that includes patient-centered contraception counseling could mitigate the impact of unintended pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the study is to compare contraception counseling and use between hypertensive and nonhypertensive individuals at risk for unintended pregnancy. Our secondary objectives are the following: (1) to evaluate the effect of race on the probability of counseling and the use of contraception, and (2) to evaluate the methods used by individuals with hypertension. METHODS: Data from the 2015-2017 and 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth Female Respondent Files were used to analyze whether individuals who reported being informed of having high blood pressure within the previous 12 months received counseling about contraception or received a contraceptive method. Covariates considered in the analysis included age, race, parity, educational attainment, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, and experience with social determinants of health. The social determinants of health covariate was based on reported experiences within 5 social determinants of health domains: food security, housing stability, financial security, transportation access, and childcare needs. Linear probability models were used to estimate the adjusted probability of receiving counseling and the use of a contraceptive. Using difference-in-difference analyses, we compared the change in counseling and use between hypertensive and nonhypertensive respondents by race, relative to White respondents. RESULTS: Of the 8625 participants analyzed, 771 (9%) were hypertensive. Contraception counseling was received by 26.2% (95% confidence interval, 20.4-31.9) of hypertensive individuals and 20.7% (95% confidence interval, 19.3-22.2) of nonhypertensive individuals. Contraception use was reported by 39.8% (95% confidence interval, 33.2-46.5) of hypertensive and 35.3% (95% confidence interval, 33.3-37.2) of nonhypertensive individuals. The linear probability model adjusting for age, parity, education attainment, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, and social determinants of health indicated that hypertensive individuals were 8 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 3-18 percentage points) more likely to receive counseling and 9 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 3-16 percentage points) more likely to use contraception. Hypertensive Black individuals did not receive more counseling or use more contraceptives compared with nonhypertensive Black individuals. The difference in counseling when hypertension was present was 13 percentage points lower than the difference observed for White respondents when hypertension was present (P=.01). The most frequently used contraceptive method among hypertensive individuals was combined oral contraceptive pills (54.0%; 95% confidence interval, 44.3%-63.5%). CONCLUSION: Despite the higher likelihood of receiving contraception counseling and using contraception among hypertensive individuals at risk for unintended pregnancy, two-thirds of this population did not receive contraception counseling, and <40% used any contraceptive method. Furthermore, unlike White individuals, Black individuals with hypertension did not receive more contraception care than nonhypertensive Black individuals. Of all those who used contraception, half relied on a method classified as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Eligibility Criteria Category 3. These findings highlight a substantial unmet need for safe and accessible contraception options for hypertensive individuals at risk for unintended pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions to improve contraceptive care and counseling in this population.

Prenatal Contraceptive Counseling.

Pregnancy care should include open discussions with patients about their ideal family size and pregnancy spacing. With these patient-voiced goals in mind, clinicians should review contraceptive tools to meet these goals, including special considerations after birth. For patients that desire contraception, it is important to prioritize the provision of their chosen method as soon as safely possible and desired after birth.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception for Adolescents: A Review of Practices to Support Better Communication, Counseling, and Adherence.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, including levonorgestrel and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the subdermal contraceptive implant, are the most effective reversible forms of contraception and thus are an important aspect of adolescent pregnancy prevention. While LARC efficacy, safety, and appropriateness are supported by major medical organizations and usage rates are increasing, overall LARC uptake among United States (US) adolescents remains lower than uptake of short-acting contraceptive methods. A better understanding of the barriers affecting adolescent LARC uptake and reasons for discontinuation could help facilitate effective communication. For example, learning how to improve adolescent-centered communication, shared decision-making, and motivational counseling strategies may be the first step to improving utilization rates. This narrative review includes three sections. First, this review will describe the history, mechanisms of action, and epidemiology of adolescent LARC use in the US and globally. Next, this review will describe key factors influencing adolescent LARC uptake, reasons for discontinuation, and multilevel barriers specific to adolescent LARC use. Finally, this review will characterize communication techniques and LARC counseling strategies for adolescents in the context of a reproductive justice approach set in the health belief model framework. The distinction between moving away from a presumptive counseling approach towards an adolescent-centered, shared decision-making approach to encourage parent-adolescent sexual health communication to lay the foundation of empowering adolescent reproductive autonomy should be the underpinning of all effective reproductive communication strategies.

Sexual Health and Relationship Abuse Interventions in Pediatric Primary Care: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Supporting adolescents in developing healthy relationships and promoting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is an important responsibility of pediatric primary care providers. Less is known about evidence-based interventions in pediatric settings focused on healthy relationships and SRH. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to describe SRH and healthy relationship/adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) interventions for pediatric primary care over the past 20 years. Eligible articles were original research on an SRH-focused or ARA-focused intervention, conducted in-person within pediatric primary care or school-based health centers specifically for middle or high school-aged adolescents. Data abstracted from included articles included intervention description, content, delivery, evaluation design, and effectiveness of primary outcomes. Heterogeneous outcomes and evidence levels made conducting a meta-analysis infeasible. RESULTS: Nineteen studies described 17 interventions targeting a variety of SRH and ARA topics (e.g., sexually transmitted infections, contraception, ARA). Interventions largely focused on screening/counseling adolescents (89%). Interventions generally were reported as being effective in changing adolescent health or practice-level outcomes. DISCUSSION: This review provides preliminary evidence that SRH and ARA interventions in pediatric primary care settings can be effective in promoting adolescent health. Future work should consider ARA-specific prevention interventions, including parents in interventions, and strategies for implementation, dissemination, and scaling.

Psychological side effects of hormonal contraception: a disconnect between patients and providers.

BACKGROUND: Existing literature about the psychological side effects of hormonal contraception (HC) is limited. The goal of this study is to better characterize patients' subjective experiences with HC, its side effects, and contraception counseling. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, survey-based study using a convenience sample of patients who had used HC at some point in their lives. Recruitment occurred from June 2021-February 2022. RESULTS: Of the 188 responses included in the analysis, 43.6% reported experiencing mood changes as a side effect of HC at some point in their lives. The most common reason participants cited for discontinuing or switching contraception methods was side effects (48.3%). Participants with a history of psychiatric illness were significantly more likely to report mood changes as a side effect of their HC (61.2%) compared to participants with no history of psychiatric illness (29.5%). Among patients with a history of psychiatric illness, 38.8% responded that their psychiatric symptoms worsened with HC while only 11.2% responded that their symptoms improved with HC. The majority (83%) of participants responded that their provider never mentioned the possibility of psychological side effects during contraception counseling. If/when they experienced side effects associated with their HC, 22.7% of participants disagreed that their provider adequately addressed their concerns. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that mood changes may be among the most common perceived side effects of HC and speak to a disconnect between patients and providers when it comes to discussing the possibility of psychological side effects with HC.

Reduction of the Quality of Contraceptive Counseling (QCC) scale to a short version (QCC-10) in Ethiopia, India, and Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the Quality of Contraceptive Counseling (QCC) scale to a shortened version, coined the QCC-10, for use in measuring client-reported quality of counseling across varied settings. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary psychometric analysis of data collected for validating full versions of the QCC scale (QCC-Mexico, QCC-Ethiopia, QCC-India) and expert voting to reduce the original 26 QCC items to a 10-item set. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a clear one-factor solution for the QCC-10 in each country. Factor loadings were consistently >0.4 for all but two items; both were retained due to their importance to content validity. Internal consistency reliability of the QCC-10 was α=0.8 in Mexico and Ethiopia, and α=0.5 in India. QCC-10 scores were highly and positively correlated with a dichotomous overall measure of client experience and intention to initiate selected method, indicating convergent validity. CONCLUSION: The QCC-10 offers an innovative, cross-cultural approach to measuring quality in contraceptive counseling. Future efforts should examine its validity and reliability for use globally, with additional exploration of how to best measure negative aspects of care, particularly in India where such items were problematic. Thoughtful, nuanced measurement of client perspectives on their counseling experiences, available via the QCC-10, is critical to monitoring and improving quality of person-centered care and the fulfilment of human rights in contraceptive services worldwide. IMPLICATIONS: Cross-cultural, person-centered measures of quality in contraceptive counseling, such as the QCC-10, can help inform efforts to improve quality of family planning services and fulfillment of human rights. Future work will continue to explore the validity of this 10-item measure for use in various settings.

Reproductive Health Counseling in Adolescent Women With Epilepsy: A Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Counseling adolescent women with epilepsy (WWE) about reproductive health (contraception, sexual activity, and menstruation) is important given the teratogenicity of many antiseizure medications and high rates of contraception failure. Only a third of adolescent WWE report discussing contraception with their epileptologists, demonstrating a significant gap in counseling. METHODS: We assessed factors associated with reproductive health counseling by pediatric neurologists via a retrospective chart review of adolescent (aged 12-18 years) WWE seen at a pediatric neurology clinic from 2018 to 2020. RESULTS: We analyzed 219 visits among 89 unique WWE. There were 23 documented discussions on contraception (11% of visits), 8 on sexual activity (4%), and 127 on menstruation (58%). When contraception was discussed, sexual activity and menstruation were more frequently discussed. Female providers were more likely to document a discussion of menstruation (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = [1.6, 6.4]). WWE who were older at the time of visit or who had their first seizure at an older age were more likely to have documented discussions of contraception and sexual activity. Neither details of treatment regimen nor epilepsy type was associated with documentation of counseling. CONCLUSIONS: A minority of adolescent WWE have documented reproductive health discussions, demonstrating a need for quality improvement projects to address this gap in care.

Breastfeeding and contraception counseling: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this qualitative study were to better understand women's experiences regarding contraceptive choice, breastfeeding intentions and the relationship between the two. Women are routinely presented with counseling on breastfeeding and contraception throughout their prenatal and postpartum care, but little is published on patients' own priorities, desires and experiences of this peripartum counseling. This article aims to address this gap in the literature. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients in the immediate postpartum period. The interview guide explored: 1) timing and content of contraceptive counseling; 2) breastfeeding goals and expectations; 3) reasons for contraceptive choices; and 4) recommendations for counseling. Interview transcripts were coded to identify themes and analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty interviews were conducted. The participants were reflective of our patient population in the Bronx, with ninety percent using Medicaid for insurance and fifteen percent concerned about food security in the past month, well-validated questions reflective of poverty and socioeconomic status. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) using contraception was described as a selfish decision by the mother without benefit to the newborn; (2) women felt pressure to breastfeed and saw the inability to breastfeed as a personal failure; and (3) medical providers were viewed as more trustworthy when it came to information regarding breastfeeding as opposed to contraceptive options, where decisions relied on anecdotes from friends or family. CONCLUSIONS: Most decision-making regarding breastfeeding and contraception relied on the personal experiences of the participants and their friends and family. A clear need for support for women who are unable to breastfeed and education about the benefits of contraception for the newborn was identified.

Asesoramiento anticoncepcional para mujeres con trombofilia hereditaria / Contraception counseling for women with inherited thrombophilia / Aconselhamento de contracepção para mulheres com trombofilia hereditária

Resumen: La anticoncepción en las pacientes con trombofilia es un desafío para el equipo de salud. La función de asesoramiento en materia de planificación familiar va más allá de la simple prescripción, ya que para definir el mejor método anticonceptivo no es suficiente la consideración de los antecedentes médicos y obstétricos de la mujer, sino que es imprescindible considerar las preferencias de la paciente. El asesoramiento sobre anticoncepción en las mujeres con trombofilia hereditaria debe abordar los riesgos de enfermedad tromboembólica venosa, incrementada en este grupo de pacientes, considerando cada uno de los métodos anticonceptivos, así como los de un embarazo no buscado, con el objetivo de contribuir a que la decisión se tome de manera informada. La presente revisión aborda este riesgo según cada tipo anticonceptivo en pacientes con distintos tipos de trombofilia hereditaria.

Abstract: Contraception in patients with thrombophilia is a challenge for the health team. The role of family planning counseling goes beyond simple prescription, since in order to define the best contraceptive method, it is not enough to consider the woman's medical and obstetric history, but rather it is essential to consider the patient's preferences . Counseling on contraception in women with hereditary thrombophilia should address the risks of venous thromboembolic disease, increased in this group of patients, considering each of the contraceptive methods, as well as those of an unintended pregnancy, in order to contribute to the the decision is made in an informed manner. The present review addresses this risk according to each contraceptive type in patients with different types of inherited thrombophilia.

Resumo: A contracepção em pacientes com trombofilia é um desafio para a equipe de saúde. O papel do aconselhamento de planejamento familiar vai além da simples prescrição, pois para definir o melhor método anticoncepcional não basta considerar a história médica e obstétrica da mulher, mas sim considerar as preferências da paciente. O aconselhamento sobre contracepção em mulheres com trombofilia hereditária deve abordar os riscos de doença tromboembólica venosa, aumentados neste grupo de pacientes, considerando cada um dos métodos contraceptivos, bem como os de gravidez indesejada, a fim de contribuir para a tomada de decisão de uma forma informada. A presente revisão aborda esse risco de acordo com cada tipo de contraceptivo em pacientes com diferentes tipos de trombofilia hereditária.

Subdermal Contraceptive Implant Insertion Trends and Retention in Adolescents.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: There is growing advocacy for use of long-acting reversible contraception among sexually active adolescents. Our primary aims were to evaluate the etonogestrel subdermal contraceptive implant (SCI) insertion trends among adolescents, as well as SCI retention at 1, 2, and 3 years, indications for removal, and to identify pregnancies that occurred during SCI use. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of adolescents aged 13-19 years with SCI insertions in 2008-2014 within a large integrated health care system. Demographic and clinical characteristics included age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, gravidity, parity, insertions, reinsertions, indications for removal, and pregnancy. Electronic medical record review was conducted on a randomized sample of 540 adolescents with insertions during 2008-2011 for the retention objective to validate electronically extracted variables. Analyses included descriptive statistics, survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier estimates for implant retention and Cochran-Armitage trend test for insertions according to year during 2008-2014. RESULTS: Most adolescent SCI users were non-Hispanic white (43%), or Hispanic (34.2%) and 16 years or older (84.2%) at the time of insertion. Overall, 1-, 2-, and 3-year retention rates were 78.6%, 59.4%, and 26.2%, respectively, with retention at 44.3% at 2 years 9 months (indicative of removal of method for near expiration of 3-year device). The insertion rate trend showed statistically significant increases annually, from 0.14% in 2008 to 0.91% in 2014; P < .0001. No pregnancies were documented during implant use. The most common indication for SCI removal was device expiration. CONCLUSION: SCI insertions increased annually among adolescents, with more than a sixfold increase over the 6-year study period, and more than half of the SCIs were retained through 2 years of use. The most common indication of SCI removal was completion of Food and Drug Administration-approved duration.

Use of Postpartum Family Planning among Women Undergoing Deliveries in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The postpartum period is a high-risk time for unintended pregnancies. A short inter-pregnancy interval leads to a series of complications for both the mother and the fetus. Postpartum contraceptive knowledge helps women decide the time frame for future pregnancy and prepare. The study aimed to find out the prevalence of postpartum family planning among women undergoing deliveries in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from hospital records of all postpartum women delivering in a tertiary care hospital from Jan 2017 to Jan 2019. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC) of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences/Dhulikhel Hospital (reference number: 62/19). Convenience sampling was done. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package of the Social Sciences version 26. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: Out of 4205 deliveries, 1211 (28.7%) (27.33-30.06 at 95% Confidence Interval) women utilized postpartum family planning. Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate was adopted by a majority of the participants 802 (19.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of postpartum contraception in this study was similar to the findings from studies done in national data and studies.

A Novel Contraception Counseling and Shared Decision-Making Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents.

Introduction: Many women of reproductive age with complex medical conditions receive primary care through an internal medicine (IM) physician rather than an obstetrician/gynecologist. Long-acting reversible contraception methods are the most effective form of contraception; however, IM residents are not routinely trained in them. Infrequent training in, inadequate knowledge of, and discomfort with contraception counseling limit the counseling performed by IM residents. Shared decision-making (SDM) is a method of patient-centered communication that can improve communication about patient preferences and increase patient satisfaction with and adherence to contraception. We developed a curriculum to teach contraception counseling under the framework of SDM for IM residents. Methods: The curriculum focused on contraception counseling through the lens of SDM designed for IM and medicine/pediatrics residents (PGY 2-PGY 4). We adapted an existing seven-step model of SDM to fit elements of contraception counseling. The curriculum consisted of a didactic teaching session with integration of an instructional video and structured interactive discussion. The session lasted 60 minutes. Results: Fifty-eight residents participated in the curriculum. On pre- and postcurriculum surveys, residents reported improvement in contraception knowledge (overall mean precurriculum = 57%, postcurriculum = 70%, p < .001) and comfort with contraception counseling (overall mean precurriculum = 3.2, postcurriculum = 3.6, p < .01). Residents expressed strong support for SDM before and after the curriculum. Discussion: Based on the survey results, the curriculum successfully addressed gaps in residents' comfort with contraception counseling and knowledge of contraception side effects and efficacy.

Intrauterine device insertion during cesarean section in women without prenatal contraception counseling: lessons from a country with high cesarean rates / Inserção de dispositivo intrauterino durante a cesárea em mulheres sem aconselhamento contraceptivo pré-natal: lições de um país com elevada taxa de cesárea

Abstract Objective Themoment of admission for deliverymay be inappropriate for offering an intrauterine device (IUD) to women without prenatal contraception counseling. However, in countries with high cesarean rates and deficient prenatal contraception counseling, this strategy may reduce unexpected pregnancies and repeated cesarean sections. Methods This was a prospective cohort study involving 100 women without prenatal contraception counseling. Postplacental IUD was offered after admission for delivery and placed during cesarean. The rates of IUD continuation, uterine perforation, and endometritis were assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months, and the proportion of women continuing with IUD at 6 months was assessed with respect to the number of previous cesareans. Results Ninety-seven women completed the follow-up. The rate of IUD continuation was 91% at 6 weeks and 83.5% at 6 months. The expulsion/removal rate in the first 6 weeks was not different from that between 6 weeks and 6 months (9 vs 9.1%, respectively). There were 2 cases of endometritis (2.1%), and no case of uterine perforation. Among 81 women continuing with intrauterine device after 6-months, 31% had undergone only the cesarean section in which the IUD was inserted, 44% had undergone 2 and 25% had undergone 3 or more cesarean sections. Conclusion Two thirds of the women who continued with IUD at 6 months had undergone 2 ormore cesarean sections. Since offering trial of labor is unusual after 2 or more previous cesareans, we believe that offering IUD after admission for delivery may reduce the risk of repeated cesarean sections and its inherent risks.

Resumo Objetivo O momento da admissão para o parto pode ser considerado inapropriado para oferecer o dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) para mulheres sem aconselhamento contraceptivo pré-natal. Entretanto, em países com elevadas taxas de cesáreas e aconselhamento contraceptivo deficiente, essa estratégia pode reduzir o risco de gestações não programadas e cesáreas repetidas. Métodos Estudo de coorte envolvendo 100 mulheres sem aconselhamento contraceptivo pré-natal. A inserção de DIU pós-dequitação foi oferecida após a admissão para o parto e indicação de cesárea. As taxas de continuidade com o DIU, perfuração uterina e endometrite foram avaliadas após 6 semanas e 6 meses, e a proporção de mulheres que continuaram com o DIU após 6 meses foi analisada em relação ao número de cesáreas prévias. Resultados Noventa e sete mulheres completaram o seguimento. A taxa de permanência do DIU foi de 91% em 6 semanas e 83,5% em 6 meses. A taxa de expulsão/ remoção nas primeiras 6 semanas foi não foi diferente daquela observada entre 6 emanas e 6 meses (9 vs 9,1%, respectivamente). Houve dois casos de endometrite (2,1%), e nenhum caso de perfuração uterina. Entre as 81mulheres que permaneceram como DIU após 6 meses, 31% haviam sido submetidas a apenas uma cesárea, em que o DIU foi inserido, 44% a 2, e 25% a 3 ou mais cesáreas. Conclusão Dois terços das mulheres que continuaram com o DIU após 6 meses haviam sido submetidas a 2 ou mais cesáreas. Considerando que oferecer a tentativa de parto vaginal após duas oumais cesáreas prévias é incomum, é possível que a oferta do DIU na admissão para o parto possa reduzir o risco de cesáreas repetidas e de seus riscos associados.

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to determine pharmacy students' intention to participate in hormonal contraception counseling services.

INTRODUCTION: Recent policies allow some pharmacists to prescribe hormonal birth control, which may improve access to hormonal contraceptives. This study explored associations between student pharmacists' hormonal contraception knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control to counseling intentions, and preferred learning methods. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was developed to assess student pharmacists' hormonal contraception knowledge, perceptions, and counseling intentions. First-year student pharmacists at Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy were recruited from a skills course to participate. Constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior and contraception knowledge were used. True/false questions were used for the knowledge scale and Likert-type items for remaining scales. Low vs. high counseling intention based on contraception knowledge and perceptions and controlling for student pharmacist characteristics was identified by logistic regression. One multiple-choice item explored preferences for learning about hormonal contraception. RESULTS: A response of 110/112 consented student pharmacists was achieved. Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention were 76.6% (SD = 20.43%), 89.0% (SD = 12.40%), 63.9% (SD = 8.06%), 59.0% (SD = 10.46%), and 81.4% (SD = 12.87%). The contraception attitude variable was statistically significantly associated with counseling intention after controlling for respondent characteristics [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.10 with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.05, 1.16] while knowledge, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were not statistically significantly associated. Most respondents (56%) preferred to learn by watching examples of counseling, while some (30%) preferred role-play with peers, reading an article (9%), or using a computer simulation (3%). CONCLUSIONS: First-year student pharmacists' attitudes towards hormonal contraception were associated with counseling intentions. Preferred learning methods were observational learning or role-playing.

Exposure to routine availability of immediate postpartum LARC: effect on attitudes and practices of labor and delivery and postpartum nurses.

OBJECTIVES: Nurses play an integral role in intrapartum and postpartum patient education. This exploratory study aims to assess the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of labor and delivery and postpartum nurses regarding contraception and evaluate for changes in these measures 1 year after an institutional initiative allowing routine availability of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). STUDY DESIGN: In 2014, Montefiore Medical Center began to routinely offer comprehensive immediate postpartum contraception. The initiative included education and feedback sessions for labor and delivery and postpartum nurses on contraception, including immediate postpartum initiation of LARC. Nurses completed anonymous surveys at the beginning of the initiative (n=59) and at 1 year (n=56). We compared baseline and 1 year survey results of contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and practices using χ2 test, Fisher's Exact Test, or t test as appropriate. RESULTS: Nurses who stated they counseled patients on contraception "always" or "most of the time" increased from 27/59 (46%) to 40/56 (71%) (p=.005). The number of nurses who would recommend the intrauterine device and implant for postpartum contraception increased from 1/59 (2%) to 18/56 (32%) (p<.0001). Attitudes towards injectable contraception and breastfeeding remained negative; 27/59 nurses (46%) at baseline and 34/56 (61%) at 1 year agreed with the statement "DMPA [depot medroxyprogesterone acetate] has a negative effect on breastfeeding." CONCLUSIONS: Experience working in a location with routine access to immediate postpartum contraception is associated with increased awareness among nurses of postpartum contraceptive options, especially LARC, and increased contraceptive counseling. Concerns about the impact of hormonal contraception on breastfeeding, specifically DMPA, are persistent and prevalent. IMPLICATIONS: Labor and delivery and postpartum nurses' knowledge regarding immediate postpartum contraception, particularly LARC methods, may change with exposure to routine access to these methods. This exposure may also impact nurses' practices of providing patient counseling on what methods are appropriate for postpartum women.

Contraception concerns, utilization and counseling needs of women with a history of breast cancer: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive-aged women who have had breast cancer face unique challenges when it comes to making decisions about contraception. Clinical guidelines indicate that patients should avoid pregnancy during cancer treatment, however the extent of contraception counseling and utilization after diagnosis has not been well studied. METHODS: We conducted three focus groups and one semi-structured interview with women between the ages of 18 and 50 years old diagnosed with breast cancer within the last 5 years. We used clinic- and population-based recruitment methods to identify participants. Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions regarding their contraception decision-making and concerns at the time of their diagnosis, during treatment and afterward. We analyzed data to identify themes among participant responses. RESULTS: A total of 10 women participated. We identified the following themes: 1) doctors treating cancer do not focus on reproductive health issues; 2) there is misinformation and lack of information on contraceptive options and risks; 3) women fear unintended pregnancy but have limited guidance on prevention; 4) peers are a trusted source of contraception information; and 5) information about contraception should be provided soon after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Reproductive-aged breast cancer survivors have unique contraceptive concerns and may not be adequately informed about their contraceptive options. The results of this study may help guide and improve contraceptive counseling services for breast cancer survivors.

Louisiana and Mississippi Family Physicians' Contraception Counseling for Adolescents with a Focus on Intrauterine Contraception.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The adolescent pregnancy rate in Louisiana (LA) and Mississippi (MS) is one of the highest in the United States. One approach to decrease that rate is to increase contraceptive use. We sought to characterize LA and MS family physicians' (FPs) contraception counseling for adolescents with a focus on the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Online survey of resident and practicing physician members of the LA and MS Academy of FPs. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-eight of 1616 invited FPs responded; 244 were included in our analysis. When counseling adolescents about contraception, respondents "frequently discussed" oral contraceptives and condoms 87.5% (210/240) and 83.8% (202/241) of the time, respectively. Newer and more highly effective contraceptives such as the ring, patch, IUD, and implant were "frequently discussed" only 34.6% (82/237)-39.3% (92/234) of the time. In the previous 6 months, 56% (136/243) of respondents ever discussed an IUD with an adolescent. Respondents were more likely to have discussed IUDs if they learned IUD insertion during residency, had on-site access to IUD inserters, believed they were competent and/or comfortable with IUD counseling. In 5 clinical scenarios asking whether the respondent would recommend an IUD to a 17- or a 27-year-old patient (in all scenarios patients were eligible for an IUD), respondents were restrictive overall and significantly fewer would recommend an IUD for the adolescent. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that there are missed opportunities for full-scope contraception counseling by LA and MS FPs. When these FPs counsel adolescents about contraception they less frequently discuss newer methods and more highly effective methods. Additionally many LA and MS FPs use overly restrictive eligibility criteria when considering IUDs.

A Qualitative Study of Factors That Influence Contraceptive Choice among Adolescent School-Based Health Center Patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods can prevent teen pregnancy yet remain underutilized by adolescents in the United States. Pediatric providers are well positioned to discuss LARCs with adolescents, but little is known about how counseling should occur in pediatric primary care settings. We explored adolescent womens' attitudes and experiences with LARCs to inform the development of adolescent-centered LARC counseling strategies. DESIGN: Qualitative analysis of one-on-one interviews. SETTING: Participants were recruited from 2 urban school-based, primary care centers. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty adolescent women aged 14-18 years, diverse in race/ethnicity, and sexual experience. INTERVENTIONS: Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using inductive and deductive coding. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Major themes were identified to integrate LARC-specific adolescent preferences into existing counseling approaches. RESULTS: Participants (mean age, 16.2 years; range, 14-18 years) represented a diverse range of racial and/or ethnic identities. Half (15/30) were sexually active and 17% (5/30) reported current or past LARC use. Five themes emerged regarding key factors that influence LARC choice, including: (1) strong preferences about device-specific characteristics; (2) previous exposure to information about LARCs from peers, family members, or health counseling sessions; (3) knowledge gaps about LARC methods that affect informed decision-making; (4) personal circumstances or experiences that motivate a desire for effective and/or long-acting contraception; and (5) environmental constraints and supports that might influence adolescent access to LARCs. CONCLUSION: We identified 5 factors that influence LARC choice among adolescent women and propose a framework for incorporating these factors into contraceptive counseling services in pediatric primary care settings.