Study objective: The occurrence and characteristics of contraception discussions with adolescents are unexplored. Our study sought to address this gap using transcripts of audiotaped healthcare visits.
Design, setting, and participants: This study was a secondary analysis of 153 transcripts of medical visits with female adolescents with asthma. Medical visits took place among 4 outpatient clinics in North Carolina.
Main outcome measures: Transcripts were reviewed for occurrence and characteristics of contraception discussions. Demographics were collected from adolescent interviews, caregiver questionnaires, and provider questionnaires.
Results: Contraception was mentioned in 3% (n = 5) of office visits. Conversations about contraception included the topics of contraception efficacy (20%), contraception side effects (60%), contraception adherence (20%), and adolescent sexual health (20%). No conversations included the topics of contraception indication or alternative methods.
Conclusions: Conversations about contraception occurred infrequently in healthcare visits. When conversations did occur, the topics that they covered lacked alignment with guideline recommendations.
Keywords: Adolescent; Communication; Contraception/methods; Contraceptive discussion; Counseling; Female; Pediatric visits.
Copyright © 2020 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.