title: Risk of contraceptive discontinuation among adolescents.
abstract: This prospective study assesses a sample of adolescent oral contraceptive users for correlates of continued use of birth control. Data were collected by interview at both an initial family planning clinic visit and 3 months later. Half of the sample did not return to the clinic for follow-up. Among those contacted by phone, all had discontinued the use of a contraceptive, and 69% were at risk for an unintended pregnancy. Least likely to continue to use the pill were adolescents who perceived substantial health-related problems associated with oral contraceptive use, felt their own risk of pregnancy was less than that of other teenagers, and had poor problem-solving skills. Among the most common problems experienced were the side effects associated with oral contraceptive use and difficulty remembering to take a pill every day. Suggested interventions aimed at supporting continued and effective use of birth control are provided.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work JH-30, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Balassone
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral