Optimizing Contraceptive Prescription in Smoking Women: A Quality Improvement Study.

Introduction Family planning is fundamental in primary care (PC), and informed counseling helps to guide contraceptive choices. Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) pose cardiovascular risks, particularly when combined with smoking. According to the World Health Organization, the recommended global clinical decision is to refrain from employing CHC in female smokers aged 35 or older. This study aimed to improve contraception prescription for female smokers aged 35-54 in PC. Methods This study was conducted in a Portuguese Family Health Unit (FHU) from October 2021 to August 2022, and it followed the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0) guidelines and the Plan-Do-Study-Act approach. Female smokers aged 35-54 were included and evaluated in three moments: baseline evaluation (October 2021), intermediate evaluation (February 2022), and post-intervention evaluation (August 2022). Interventions involved educating medical staff, creating patient awareness campaigns, and evaluating contraceptive methods. The established quality-defining goal was to decrease the prevalence of female smokers aged 35 or above using CHC to ≤5%. Results CHC prevalence among smoking women aged 35-54 decreased from 16.4% to 8.5% after nine months of the initial intervention. There was an increase in progestogen-only methods usage over time, from 25.7% to 34.0%. Discussion Despite not fully achieving the predefined goal, interventions led to a substantial reduction of CHC use among smoking women aged 35-54. Collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals and patients played a pivotal role in optimizing care and reducing cardiovascular risk. This study underscores the importance of continuous quality improvement, collaborative interventions, and knowledge updates in Family Medicine practice. While conducted in a single FHU, the intervention's multidimensional approach holds the potential for broader applicability. Conclusion In the future, healthcare teams should continue to reflect on achieved results, maintain knowledge, and empower patients in contraceptive method choices. The study contributes to improved care quality and highlights the positive impact on medical practice and patient outcomes.

"Tabela Periódica" da Anticoncepção ­ uma ferramenta na escolha contraceptiva / "Periodic Table" of Contraception ­ a tool in the contraceptive choice

Estima-se que 40% das gestações no mundo sejam não planejadas. Em países de baixa renda, complicações no parto são a maior causa de morte entre mulheres de 15 a 19 anos. A disponibilidade de métodos contraceptivos reversíveis é necessária para o adequado planejamento reprodutivo. Entre os métodos reversíveis, os de longa ação (LARCs) são os mais efetivos. Métodos de curta ação (SARCs) são preferenciais para pacientes que desejam gestar a curto prazo e para as quais a gestação não será indesejada. O presente estudo é uma revisão narrativa da literatura, de artigos em inglês e português publicados entre 2009 e 2020, utilizando as bases de dados SciELO, Medline e Embase. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar os LARCs e SARCs em uma tabela com dados comparativos que auxiliem na tomada de decisão do médico e da paciente e permita estabelecer estratégias para um planejamento familiar adequado.(AU)

It is estimated that 40% of pregnancies in the world are unplanned. In low-income countries, complications in childbirth are the major cause of death among women aged 15 to 19 years. The availability of reversible contraceptive methods is necessary for proper reproductive planning. Among the reversible methods, long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) is the most effective. Short-acting reversible contraception (SARCs) methods are preferred for patients who wish to become pregnant in the short term and for whom pregnancy will not be undesirable. The present study is a narrative review of the literature, of articles in English and Portuguese published between 2009 and 2020, using the databases SciELO, Medline and Embase. The purpose of this review is to present the LARCs and SARCs in a table with comparative data that assist in the decision making of the doctor and the patient and allow to establish strategies for adequate family planning.(AU)

Contraception in autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) affect women and men with a 2:1 ratio, which suggests that hormonal contraceptives play a role in their clinical course. Combined oral contraceptives have complex, sometimes contradictory, effects on AIDs; they can worsen the situation in women with systemic lupus erythematosus and with anti-phospholipid syndrome, conditions in which they are contraindicated. Early studies indicated a positive effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whereas more recent trials failed to do so, possibly because of the lowering of oestrogen content. Evidence of effects on multiple sclerosis (MS) is conflicting: risk may vary depending on the progestin used. Minor adverse effects may exist on inflammatory bowel diseases, and no significant effect was found on autoimmune thyroid diseases. Women can become sensitised to sex hormones. Progestin-only contraceptives may be used, although copper-releasing intra-uterine devices represent the best option. Finally, several organisations have issued guidelines for contraceptive use in women with AIDs.

Update on the contraceptive contraindications.

BACKGROUND: The choice of contraceptive methods has considerably increased over recent years. However, all available methods are not appropriate for all women, especially those with medical conditions or individual characteristics in whom any pregnancy, particularly unintended pregnancy, is at higher risk. The safety of contraception is crucial for these women and evidence-based guidance to help healthcare providers choosing a suitable method has been published. The aim of our review is to make an update on the main contraceptive contraindications. METHODS: The World Health Organisation Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (WHO-MEC) published in 2015 are referred to throughout this review. The rationale behind the recommendations for women with cardiovascular, rheumatic, neurologic, gynaecological or endocrine disorders was first analysed. The national adaptations of the WHO-MEC, especially the French, British, and American ones, were then scrutinized. MAIN FINDINGS: Overall, the MECs considered tend to provide the same recommendations. However, there are some noticeable differences that may be useful to know. Hence, for a given condition, differences in categorisation have been noticed where limited or controversial scientific evidence relating to this condition exists, especially regarding hormonal contraceptives. Some medical conditions or characteristics, included in some MECs but not in others, have also been identified. CONCLUSION: MECs represent valuable tools to help clinicians to prescribe the most acceptable and safe contraceptive method for each individual woman. Although it may be useful to consult different MECs for some complex conditions, prescribers should always bear in mind that these MECs are only guidelines and that their clinical judgment should always prevail.

Uso seguro de anticoncepcionais hormonais injetáveis segundo critérios médicos de elegibilidade / El uso seguro de anticonceptivos inyectables hormonales segundo criterio de elegibilidad médica / Safe use of injectable hormonal contraceptives according to medical eligibility criteria

Objetivo: classificar usuárias de anticoncepcionais hormonais injetáveis (AHI) quanto ao uso seguro segundo critérios médicos de elegibilidade da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e verificar associação entre tipo de injetável e tempo de uso com o uso seguro. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo e exploratório. A população foi composta pelas 52 usuárias de AHI. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista, que seguiu formulário elaborado pelas autoras, sendo identificado fatores que contraindicassem ou indicassem o uso do método, classificando-as em categorias de 1 a 4. O Projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal do Ceará, CAAE: 36668314.3.0000.5054. Resultados: Foram identificadas 44 (84,7%) mulheres em uso seguro e 8 (15,3%) inseguro. Usuárias há mais de um ano tiveram uma frequência maior de uso inseguro (p=0,001). Conclusão: Seguir as recomendações da OMS deve ser rotina nas consultas de enfermagem visando à proteção e segurança da mulher.

Objective: to classify users of injectable hormonal contraceptives (AHI) in accordance with the safe use according to medical eligibility criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and assess the association between type of injection and use of time with safe use. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory study. The population was composed by 52 users of AHI. Data were collected through interviews, which followed form developed by the authors, and identified factors that contraindicate or indicate the use of the method, classifying them into categories from 1 to 4. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Federal do Ceará, CAAE: 36668314.3.0000.5054. Results: Were identified 44 (84.7%) women in safe use and 8 (15.3%) in unsafe use. Users with over a year of use had a higher frequency of unsafe use (p=0.001). Conclusion: Following WHO recommendations should be routine in nursing consultation to the protection and safety of women.

Objetivo: clasificar las usuarias de anticonceptivos hormonales inyectables (AHI) segundo criterio de elegibilidad médica de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y evaluar la asociación entre el tipo de inyección y el uso del tiempo con uso seguro. Métodos: Estudio transversal, descriptivo y exploratorio. La población fue compuesta por 52 usuarias de AHI. Los datos fueron colectados a través de entrevistas desarrollada por las autoras, e identificó los factores que contraindican o indiquen el uso del método, clasificándolos en categorías 1 a 4. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de Investigación de la Universidad Federal do Ceará, CAAE: 36668314.3.0000.5054. Resultados: Se identificaron 44 (84,7%) mujeres en el uso seguro y 8 (15,3%) no seguro. Las usuarias más de un año habían una mayor frecuencia de uso inseguro (p=0,001). Conclusión: El uso de las recomendaciones de la OMS debe ser rutinario en la consulta de enfermería.

Choosing the Right Oral Contraceptive Pill for Teens.

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) continue to be the most commonly used form of prescription contraceptives used by adolescents in the United States. With proper use, oral contraceptives provide safe and effective birth control. Broad categories of OCPs include progestin-only pills (POPs) and combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs). Certain types of progestins have more potent antiandrogenic properties and are more effective in treating acne, hirsutism, and polycystic ovary syndrome. This article reviews types of OCPs, discusses risks and benefits of OCPs, and provides guidance for how to choose the most beneficial and appropriate OCP for individual adolescent patients.

An evaluation of contraception mobile applications for providers of family planning services.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify mobile applications (apps) about contraception and to evaluate those targeted toward providers of family planning services in order to assess their quality and comprehensiveness. METHODS: We systematically searched the Apple iTunes Store using contraception search terms. We created a master list of relevant and unique apps and divided the apps into categories and subcategories according to intended audience and purpose. We then checked availability of contraception apps for providers in the Google Play Store. We scored apps on objective and subjective components using the APPLICATIONS scoring system, a tool developed to evaluate health-related mobile apps with a maximum score of 17 points. RESULTS: From a total of 1218 apps found using 41 contraception search terms, 113 were unique and relevant to contraception. We determined that six apps (5.3%) were potentially useful for providers of family planning services and evaluated them. Four apps received 12 points, one received 11 points and one received 8 points. The two free apps were among those with the highest scores. Three of these apps were also available in the Google Play Store. CONCLUSIONS: A small number of contraception apps are targeted toward providers of family planning services. Available apps are variable in quality and comprehensiveness. IMPLICATIONS: There is potential for further mobile resource development in the area of contraception, given the limited number and inconsistent quality of available apps.

The Botswana Medical Eligibility Criteria Wheel: Adapting a Tool to Meet the Needs of Botswana's Family Planning Program.

In efforts to strive for family planning repositioning in Botswana, the Ministry of Health convened a meeting to undertake an adaptation of the Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (MEC) wheel. The main objectives of this process were to present technical updates of the various contraceptive methods, to update the current medical conditions prevalent to Botswana and to adapt the MEC wheel to meet the needs of the Botswanian people. This commentary focuses on the adaptation process that occurred during the week-long stakeholder workshop. It concludes with the key elements learned from this process that can potentially inform countries who are interested in undergoing a similar exercise to strengthen their family planning needs.

The use of progestogen-only pill in migraine patients.

Migraine is a debilitating neurovascular disorder which is estimated to affect 18% of women and 6% of men. Two main forms of this neurological disorder must be considered: Migraine without Aura and Migraine with Aura. Migraine without aura often has a strict menstrual relationship: the International Headache Society classification gives criteria for Pure Menstrual Migraine and Menstrually Related Migraine. The higher prevalence of migraine among women suggests that this sex difference probably results from the trigger of fluctuating hormones during the menstrual cycle. Safe and effective contraception is essential for all women of childbearing age, but Combined Oral Contraceptives have been associated with worsening of attacks and cardiovascular risk in these patients. We analyzed characteristics, effects and benefits of progestogen-only pill, a possible alternative for contraception in women with migraine.

Intrauterine contraception.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are effective, reversible forms of contraception with high patient satisfaction and continuation. IUDs can be safely used by most women and should be considered the first-line method of contraception for all women. This descriptive review will discuss the clinical issues associated with IUDs - including management of side effects, noncontraceptive uses and insertion and removal. When the burdens of cost are removed, women are more likely to select and IUDs. Health policy changes that increase insurance coverage for contraception will improve access to IUDs. IUDs remain an underutilized form of contraception in USA and efforts to improve availability and access to long-acting reversible contraception methods is needed to optimize their use.

Helping Clinicians Prevent Pregnancy among Sexually Active Adolescents: U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use and U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use.

The United States has made substantial progress in reducing teenage birth rates in recent decades, but rates remain high. Teen pregnancy can increase the risk of poor health outcomes and lead to decreased educational attainment, increased poverty, and welfare use, as well as increased cost to taxpayers. One of the most effective ways to prevent teenage pregnancy is through the use of effective birth control methods. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has made the prevention of teenage pregnancy 1 of its 10 winnable battles. The CDC has released 2 evidence-based clinical guideline documents regarding contraceptive use for adolescents and adults. The first guideline, US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010, helps clinicians recognize when a contraceptive method may not be safe to use for a particular adolescent but also when not to withhold a contraceptive method that is safe to use. The second document, US Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2013, provides guidance for how to use contraceptive methods safely and effectively once they are deemed safe. Health care providers are encouraged to use these documents to provide safe and effective contraceptive care to patients seeking family planning, including adolescents.

Oral contraception.

Oral contraception (OC) remains a popular noninvasive, readily reversible approach for pregnancy prevention and, largely off label, for control of acne, hirsutism, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, menorrhagia, and other menstrual-related symptoms. Many OC formulations exist, with generics offering lower cost and comparable efficacy. Certain medical conditions, including hypertension, migraine, breast cancer, and risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), present contraindications. Blood pressure measurement is the only physical examination or testing needed before prescription. Although no OC is clearly superior to others, OCs containing the second-generation progestin levonorgestrel have been associated with lower VTE risk than those containing other progestins.

Contraception for women with medical disorders.

Many women in the reproductive years have chronic medical conditions that are affected by pregnancy or in which the fetus is placed at increased risk. In most of these women, ongoing medical management of their conditions is greatly improved, even compared with a decade or two ago. However, their condition may still be seriously exacerbated by the physiological changes of pregnancy, and close monitoring of a carefully planned pregnancy is optimal. This requires effective and safe contraceptive use until pregnancy is desired and the medical condition is stabilised. Many contraceptives will also have adverse effects on some medical conditions, and there is now a considerable awareness of the complexities of some of these interactions. For this reason the World Health Organization has developed an excellent, simple and pragmatic programme of guidelines on a four point scale (the WHO "Medical Eligibility Criteria": WHO-MEC), summarising risk of specific contraceptive methods in women with specified chronic medical conditions. The general approach to contraceptive management of many of these conditions is addressed in this article.