Female adolescents' educational choices about reproductive health modules

Abstract

Purpose: To assess girls' reproductive educational choices, satisfaction with choice, and relationship between demographics, module choice, and satisfaction. Methods: We recruited 286 girls, aged 13 to 21 years, from a hospital-based adolescent clinic, from advertisements, and by word of mouth. At enrollment, participants completed a 60-minute computerized assessment. Those who were randomized to receive didactic counseling were asked to select which module they preferred to receive (abstinence, STD prevention or contraception) at enrollment. After the first counseling visit, participants rated their satisfaction with the counseling session on the computer. Results: At enrollment, 40.5% of the entire sample chose the contraception module, 34.3% chose the STD prevention module and 25.2% chose the abstinence module for their first counseling module. There were differences in module choice by age, STD and sexual history, but not by race or pregnancy history. Most were satisfied with the module; there were no differences in satisfaction by module choice. Conclusions: When allowed to choose the order of reproductive health modules, the majority of girls chose the contraception module first, followed by the STD prevention and abstinence modules. Age, sexual and STD history were associated with the module adolescents chose first. However, satisfaction was high regardless of which module was chosen. Given time limitations for counseling, health care providers and educators may consider age, sexual and STD history when choosing together with adolescents which reproductive health topics they wish to discuss first.

Publication Title

American Journal of Sexuality Education

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS