Abstract
Background
Intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) is now available in subcutaneous
(SC) formulation, potentially allowing for home-based self-administration. We examined
adolescents’ interest in and proficiency at DMPA-SC self-administration.
Study Design
This is a planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing pain
between DMPA-IM and DMPA-SC. In the trial, study participants (N=55) aged 14–21 years were recruited at DMPA initiation and randomized to receive DMPA-IM
or DMPA-SC. Participants received the alternate formulation at 3 months, chose formulation
at 6 months and could learn self-administration at 9 months. The current analysis
is of the women who chose self-administration of DMPA-SC. Proficiency was rated for
each step of self-administration: independently [I], with reassurance [R], with verbal
instruction [V] or nurse performed [RN]. Data were analyzed using descriptive and
comparative statistics.
Results
Thirty-five percent (19/55) of participants learned self-administration. Proficiency
ratings were as follows: chose injection site (I=78.9%, R=5.3%, V=5.3%, RN=10.5%),
cleaned site (I=89.5%, RN=10.5%), assembled injection device (I=47.4%, R=36.8%, V=15.8%),
self-injected (I=31.6%, R=36.8%, V=15.8%, RN=15.8%) and disposed of device (I=21.1%,
R=21.1%, RN=57.9%).
Conclusions
Many adolescents are interested in and capable of DMPA-SC self-administration with
brief education and minimal assistance.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 07, 2013
Accepted:
November 26,
2012
Received in revised form:
November 24,
2012
Received:
August 29,
2011
Footnotes
☆Disclosure: None of the authors have a conflict of interest.
☆☆Sources of financial support: HRSA/T71 MC00008 and NIH/NCRR RR025761.
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
