Emergency contraception: a pilot study by school nurses

Tackling unintended teenage pregnancy and reducing sexually transmitted infection is a priority for school nurses in Selby and York NHS Trust. Research from the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination in 1997 suggested that school-based sex education could be effective in reducing teenage pregnancy when it was linked to contraceptive services. With this in mind a pilot study was devised whereby an emergency contraception service was introduced to two secondary schools: one rural and one inner city. Results of the pilot, conducted for a complete school year from September 2001 to July 2002, revealed a significant difference in the numbers of teenagers accessing advice and requesting condoms in the two schools. Reasons for the findings are discussed, as well as the vital role of the school nurse in addressing the sexual health needs of young people.