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Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
Published on: October 17, 2013
Transdermal contraception as a model for adolescent use of new methods
Gina S Sucato1, Suraj K Bhatt, Pamela J Murray
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. gina.sucato@chp.edu
Purpose:
To examine the factors related to adolescents' decisions to use the transdermal contraceptive patch (patch) so as to develop a model for understanding how adolescents decide to use new contraceptive methods.
Methods:
We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 young women aged 15-21 years who had experience using the patch. Data were analyzed using a two-stage method informed by grounded theory.
Results:
We constructed a two-level model, encompassing individual, social, and environmental factors, to explain adolescents' decisions to use a new method of hormonal contraception. Social and environmental influences on the decision-making process included media, social network experiences and opinions, healthcare providers, and partner relationships. These in turn affected the following individual factors in the decision to use the patch: individual characteristics, method knowledge and beliefs, method support, and past contraceptive experience. The newness of the patch permeated all levels of the decision-making process.
Conclusions:
This model provides a framework for understanding the use of new contraceptive methods and can inform clinical strategies for contraceptive counseling with adolescents.
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