The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71138

Lorraine Tiezzi, MS, Pamela Haller, MPH, MDiv, Judy Lipschutz, MS, Andrea Guerra, BA, and Vaughn I Rickert, PsyD. Center for Community Health and Education, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Ave, B-3, New York, NY 10032, (212) 304-5241, lt3@columbia.edu

Objective: To determine 3- and 6- month continuation rates satisfaction, and side effects of Lunelle among urban adolescents (<18 years) and to examine the impact of the recall of this method on future use. Study Design: 82 adolescent females who received reproductive health care services through our SBHCs between 1-25-02 and 5-9-02 were interviewed at the initial injection to assess their knowledge and interest in Lunelle, other contraceptive use and compliance. We also conducted interviews at follow-up injections to elicit satisfaction, side effects, and concurrent condom use. We categorized continuation in two ways: absolute continuation was affirmed if she received each injection within 25 to 33 days; acceptable continuation was defined as being late to 1 injection by £ 20 days, but receiving the following shot within the established window (25-33 days); and discontinuation was defined as missing one or more injections by ³ 21 days. To understand the impact of the recall, patients who had received ³1 injections of Lunelle on or after September 1, 2002 were interviewed by their provider (n=69) when they presented for their October injection. Results: Absolute and acceptable 3-month continuations rates were 59% and 66%, respectively with 6 month rates being 11% and 21%, respectively. Predictors of continuation will be presented along with levels of satisfaction, side effects experienced, and concurrent condom use. In addition, we will report on adolescents' perception of the recall relative to what method they chose to use instead of Lunelle and their willingness to use Lunelle in the future.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• 1.list 3 and 6 month continuation rates;
• 2.identify clinically relevant predictors of method continuation for adolescents; and
• 3.describe the impact that the Lunelle recall had on adolescent contraceptive users.
• 3.Develop a care plan for a family of six supported by an annual income of $32,000, and caring for a child who has cystic fibrosis.

Keywords: Adolescents, Contraceptives

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.