Dual Protection Project
| Status: | Recruiting |
|---|---|
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 13 - 18 |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | April 2015 |
| End Date: | May 2017 |
| Contact: | Deborah Rinehart, PhD |
| Email: | deborah.rinehart@dhha.org |
| Phone: | 303-602-2743 |
Effectiveness of a Patient Centered Intervention to Increase Dual Protection Against Unintended Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Disease Among Adolescents
This study aims to use a text messaging intervention to prevent unintended teen pregnancy
and transmission of sexually transmitted disease. The study will be informed by a formative
qualitative phase (February 2014 - January 2015) which will include individual qualitative
interviews and focus group with teens to elucidate and explore the barriers to effective
contraceptive use and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention and to obtain feedback
on the developed intervention. The second efficacy phase will randomize subjects to the
texting intervention or to usual care.
and transmission of sexually transmitted disease. The study will be informed by a formative
qualitative phase (February 2014 - January 2015) which will include individual qualitative
interviews and focus group with teens to elucidate and explore the barriers to effective
contraceptive use and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention and to obtain feedback
on the developed intervention. The second efficacy phase will randomize subjects to the
texting intervention or to usual care.
Adolescents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are disproportionally
affected by both unintended pregnancies and STDs. While youth only represent a quarter of
the sexually active population in the US, they account for almost half of all new STDs and
the rate of unintended pregnancies among sexually active teens is almost double the rate of
all sexually active women. Teen mothers experience higher rates of negative social outcomes
including school dropout and children of teens are more likely to have low birth weight,
lower academic achievement and more likely to perpetuate the cycle of teen pregnancy
themselves. Both unintended pregnancies and STDs are much higher among racial/ethnic
minority populations. Contraceptive methods considered most effective for pregnancy
prevention do not protect against STDs and HIV transmission. Dual protection methods include
being on an effective and consistent form of contraception, preferably a long-acting
reversible contraceptive and having an effective STD prevention method in place, preferably
consistent condom use. Non-penetrative sexual practices can be substituted.
There are many barriers to providing these services in the context of primary care visits. A
recent study of pediatricians found that 61% of pediatricians reported discussing
contraception, use of condoms and/or STDs with patients at preventive care visits. Most
providers (76%), however, believed they did not have sufficient time to provide such
counseling in the visit. The problems are even more acute in resource-limited safety net
settings. Therefore, a two-tiered approach may prove to be useful, where providers initially
address reproductive health issues in the visit but where additional support outside the
visit provides additional, information, support, motivation and connection to services. An
innovative intervention using texting technology may prove to be a cost effective method of
providing support between visits.
affected by both unintended pregnancies and STDs. While youth only represent a quarter of
the sexually active population in the US, they account for almost half of all new STDs and
the rate of unintended pregnancies among sexually active teens is almost double the rate of
all sexually active women. Teen mothers experience higher rates of negative social outcomes
including school dropout and children of teens are more likely to have low birth weight,
lower academic achievement and more likely to perpetuate the cycle of teen pregnancy
themselves. Both unintended pregnancies and STDs are much higher among racial/ethnic
minority populations. Contraceptive methods considered most effective for pregnancy
prevention do not protect against STDs and HIV transmission. Dual protection methods include
being on an effective and consistent form of contraception, preferably a long-acting
reversible contraceptive and having an effective STD prevention method in place, preferably
consistent condom use. Non-penetrative sexual practices can be substituted.
There are many barriers to providing these services in the context of primary care visits. A
recent study of pediatricians found that 61% of pediatricians reported discussing
contraception, use of condoms and/or STDs with patients at preventive care visits. Most
providers (76%), however, believed they did not have sufficient time to provide such
counseling in the visit. The problems are even more acute in resource-limited safety net
settings. Therefore, a two-tiered approach may prove to be useful, where providers initially
address reproductive health issues in the visit but where additional support outside the
visit provides additional, information, support, motivation and connection to services. An
innovative intervention using texting technology may prove to be a cost effective method of
providing support between visits.
Inclusion Criteria:
- biologically female;
- between 13 and 18 years of age;
- not currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant;
- have texting capability; and
- able to read/write/speak in English.
Exclusion Criteria:
- not meeting inclusion criteria outlined above
We found this trial at
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