There's always Plan B: adolescent knowledge, attitudes and intention to use emergency contraception☆
Received 2 February 2009; received in revised form 13 August 2009; accepted 19 August 2009. published online 05 October 2009.
Abstract
Background
It can prove challenging to create social marketing materials aimed at a specific subsection of the population, especially when the topic is relatively new and possibly misunderstood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess adolescent knowledge of and attitudes towards emergency contraception (EC), with the goal of creating a locally relevant social marketing campaign and intervention.
Methods
This qualitative study consisted of 18 in-depth interviews and four focus groups (n=29) with adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 21 years, conducted in New York City between August and December 2006.
Results
While respondents seemed generally aware of EC's existence, most were unclear about circumstances warranting its use and its mechanism of action. The FDA change to behind-the-counter availability appeared to increase knowledge and access to EC, although substantial barriers to EC access and use remain, including price.
Conclusions
Further work remains in educating those in need of EC, especially adolescents under the age of 18 years. Results from this study initiated a social marketing campaign and intervention aimed at increasing adolescent knowledge of and access to EC.
Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 646 284 9725.
☆ Financial support: This work was funded by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Maternal, Infant and Reproductive Health, Contract no. 20070027374. The Harlem Health Promotion Center is funded by the CDC, Contract no. 5 U48 DP000030-05.
ABSTRACT