Objective: To evaluate the effects of a self-efficacy enhancing educational program on oral contraceptive (OC) compliance in a low-income African-American patient population.
Methods: African-American women ages 15-25 during the postpartum period of an unplanned pregnancy (N=32) were randomized to either traditional OC counseling or to an intervention consisting of a handout and videotape featuring members of the target population. The intervention was developed and tested in focus group sessions with the target population. Self-efficacy in OC use, knowledge, compliance and pregnancies were measured; data was obtained at baseline, randomization, 6 weeks postpartum, 3 months and one year.
Results: There was no difference in baseline knowledge of OCs (p=0.15). After the intervention, women demonstrated a significant increase in OC knowledge (p<.001) which was sustained over all time points (p<.001). Almost all women demonstrated high self-efficacy at baseline, 96.8% (95% confidence interval-91.1, 100) which was maintained throughout the study period. Follow up at one year was available for 24 women: 8 were compliant with OCs, 9 switched contraceptive methods, 7 were pregnant and one was not using contraception. Of the 17 women using contraception, 10 (71%) were in the intervention group and 7 (60%) were in the traditional counseling group. Of the eight who were pregnant or not using contraception, 4 were in the intervention group (40%) and 4 (29%) were in the traditional counseling group (p>.05).
Conclusion: Despite high self-efficacy, and enhanced knowledge of OCs, this cohort of young women had poor compliance with OCs and many repeat unplanned pregnancies
Learning Objectives: following this session participants will be able to identify factors associated with poor contraceptive seeking behaviors.
Keywords: Contraception, Minority Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.