Assessing Adolescent Use of Nexplanon Over Time: a Prospective, Longitudinal Study

Summary

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Description

Despite increasing availability of Nexplanon in the United States, only limited resesarch exists on Nexplanon use among adolescents, particularly nulliparous adolescents. A Cochrane systematic review of long-acting contraception use among adolescents in 2017 identified only four studies that had spe...

Despite increasing availability of Nexplanon in the United States, only limited resesarch exists on Nexplanon use among adolescents, particularly nulliparous adolescents. A Cochrane systematic review of long-acting contraception use among adolescents in 2017 identified only four studies that had specifically assessed implant use and continuation among adolescents [1]. Of these, the majority of studies assessed use postpartum [1]. The majority of research on adolescent attitudes around and barriers to long-acting reversible contraception has been conducted on intrauterine devices, rather than implants, and further research is needed to understand decision-making and behaviors around implant use [2]. Additionally, no studies have assessed differences in adolescent decision-making by age. While adolescence is considered ages 10-24 [3], this period is one of substantial change, physically, mentally, and in stages of life. Contraceptive use can be influenced by all of these [4] and understanding differences in stages of adolescence could result in meaningful differences in counseling and support approaches. The purpose of this study is to compare Nexplanon decision-making, uptake, satisfaction and contraceptive outcomes (continuation, switching, discontinuation) over a 12-month period among adolescents ages 15-18 to adolescents ages 19-24, living in Utah. Data from this study will provide valuable information for clinical and public health offerings, counseling and support for Nexplanon use across stages of adolescence.

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