Are Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) a Viable Solution for Adolescents in Rural Eastern North Carolina?

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Ashley B. Stacy (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Background: Many of the highest teen pregnancy rates within North Carolina (NC) are in rural counties in the eastern part of the state. Long-acting reversible contraceptives, which include intrauterine devices and the contraceptive implant, are highly effective and can provide contraception for years, offering a possible solution to this problem. / / Purpose: The purpose of this Senior Honors Project was to determine the contraceptive use trends of adolescents and young adults in rural eastern NC. The objectives of this project were to interview key informants about the utilization of LARCs and provider attitudes regarding their recommendation, assess contraceptive choice of adolescents seeking services in the family planning clinic, and identify barriers to access of LARCs. / / Methodology: A program evaluation was conducted at a rural health department in eastern NC in partnership with a public health nurse preceptor. Key informants were identified and interviewed. Also, clients in the family planning clinic were assessed to determine their contraceptive method of choice. / / Findings: Out of 34 family planning clinic clients between the ages of 14-28 years, 7 chose to initiate a LARC method. The health department offered two types of IUDs, but referred the contraceptive implant insertion to a local physician office. The discontinuation rate among one type of IUD high due to side effects experienced after insertion. Key informants believed that IUDs were safe for adolescents to use, but were less likely to recommend an IUD for clients who were nulliparous or had a history of sexually transmitted infection. / / Conclusions: Many clients were unfamiliar with LARCs, so continued community education is needed to increase knowledge and utilization of these methods. Health care professionals must stay current on the However, there were clients who did initiate or were interested in LARC methods. /

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2014

Keywords

Contraception, LARCs, Adolescents, Implants, Family planning, IUDs

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