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First family planning visit in school-based clinics.
A Bar-Cohen1, B Lia-Hoagberg, L Edwards
1Adolescent Health Program, Minneapolis Public Schools, MN 55405.
The Journal of School Health
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Female adolescents experienced significant delays, averaging over 7 months, before their first family planning visit. Factors like early sexual activity and socioeconomic status influenced this delay, highlighting access barriers to reproductive health services.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Reproductive Health Services
- Public Health
Background:
- School-based clinics offer accessible healthcare for adolescents.
- Timely access to family planning is crucial for adolescent well-being.
- Understanding delays in seeking care is vital for improving service delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the timing of the first family planning visit among female adolescents.
- To identify factors associated with delays in seeking reproductive health services.
- To understand adolescent preferences for family planning clinic selection.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 144 female adolescents attending school-based clinics.
- Data collected on timing of first family planning visit.
- Analysis included demographic factors and reasons for clinic choice.
Main Results:
- The mean delay for the first family planning visit was 11.4 months (median 7.8 months).
- Nearly 50% sought care within two months of initiating sexual activity.
- Early sexual activity (before age 15) and lower socioeconomic status were linked to longer delays.
Conclusions:
- Significant delays in accessing family planning services are prevalent among adolescents.
- Adolescent-centered care, confidentiality, and comprehensive services are key factors in clinic choice.
- Interventions are needed to reduce barriers and improve timely access to reproductive healthcare for young people.