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Contraceptive dispensing and selection in school-based health centers
M J Zimmer-Gembeck1, L S Doyle, J A Daniels
1Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. zimm0225@tc.umn.edu
Summary
On-site dispensing of hormonal contraceptives in school-based health centers improved selection rates for sexually active females. This initiative facilitated quicker and more consistent use of hormonal contraception among students.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- School-based health centers (SBHCs) play a crucial role in providing accessible healthcare to students.
- Hormonal contraceptives are a key component of family planning services for sexually active individuals.
- Barriers to contraceptive access can impact consistent use and reproductive health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of on-site dispensing of hormonal contraceptives (oral contraceptive pill, injectable Depo-Provera, and implant Norplant) in urban SBHCs.
- To determine if on-site dispensing reduced the time to initial contraceptive selection among sexually active female students.
- To assess if on-site dispensing increased the consistent use of hormonal contraceptives.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed, analyzing data from sexually active females receiving family planning care.
- Two cohorts were compared: those receiving care before (1994-1995) and after (1996-1997) the implementation of on-site dispensing.
- Statistical analyses included Student's t-tests, Chi-square tests, analysis of covariance, and logistic regression to compare outcomes.
Main Results:
- The proportion of students selecting hormonal contraceptives within the first two visits increased significantly from 59% in the 1994-1995 cohort to 72% in the 1996-1997 cohort (p <.001).
- While the 1996-1997 cohort showed a trend towards longer consistent use of hormonal contraceptives (81 days vs. 73 days), this difference did not reach statistical significance (p <.10).
Conclusions:
- Initiating on-site dispensing of hormonal contraceptives in urban SBHCs leads to earlier selection of these methods by sexually active female students.
- On-site dispensing appears to support more consistent use of hormonal contraception, although further research may be needed to confirm statistical significance.
- Implementing on-site contraceptive services within school settings can enhance adolescent access to and utilization of reproductive health resources.
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