Use of Emergency Contraception by US Teens: Effect of Access on Promptness of Use and Satisfaction

Abstract Study Objective To examine the effect of policies regarding access to emergency contraception (EC) on teens' promptness of EC use and satisfaction with EC access experience. Setting Online survey. Participants Females, ages 14 to 19, who had engaged in unprotected intercourse at a time...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pediatric & adolescent gynecology 2011-10, Vol.24 (5), p.286-290
Main Authors: Rubin, Alison G., MD, MS, Gold, Melanie A., DO, Kim, Yeonhee, MS, Schwarz, Eleanor B., MD, MS
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Adult
Barriers
Contraception
Contraception Behavior
Contraception, Postcoital - economics
Contraception, Postcoital - utilization
Drug and Narcotic Control
Emergency contraception
Female
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Patient Satisfaction
Pediatrics
Pharmacies
Plan B
Post-coital contraception
Pregnancy prevention
Prescription Drugs
Reproductive health
Teen
Time Factors
United States
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Study Objective To examine the effect of policies regarding access to emergency contraception (EC) on teens' promptness of EC use and satisfaction with EC access experience. Setting Online survey. Participants Females, ages 14 to 19, who had engaged in unprotected intercourse at a time when they were aware of EC. Main Outcome Measures Outcomes included promptness of EC use and satisfaction with EC access experience. Outcomes were compared according to method of obtaining EC and state policies regarding EC access. Results Surveys were completed by 531 teens from 49 states; 58% were Caucasian and 14% were African American. Only 48% of participants reported ever using EC. Teens who obtained EC without a prescription were more likely to use EC within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse (odds ratio = 2.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-4.44). Minors who obtained EC in pharmacist-access states were more likely to be satisfied with their EC access experience (odds ratio = 3.05; 95% confidence interval: 1.11-8.35). Conclusion Fewer than half of participants had used EC, despite being aware of EC at the time of unprotected intercourse. Policies allowing minors to access EC without a prescription may increase timely use of EC.
ISSN:1083-3188
1873-4332
DOI:10.1016/j.jpag.2011.03.013