title: Transdermal contraception as a model for adolescent use of new methods.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. gina.sucato@chp.edu
authors.forename: Gina S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Sucato
authors.forename: Suraj K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Bhatt
authors.forename: Pamela J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Mary A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ott
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008402:Mass Media; D012944:Social Support; D057968:Transdermal Patch; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female