Research Lead: Cynthia J. Mollen, MD, MSCE
Sponsored By: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Dates: July 2006- June 2008
Background
Recent studies suggest that unintended pregnancy risk is higher in the emergency department (ED) population than in the general population. In recent years, the potential role of the ED in prevention activities has gained increased attention, based on the theory that patients in the ED may be experiencing “teachable moments”; that is, they may be more receptive to counseling immediately after sustaining an injury or learning of an infection. However, little research has focused specifically on the pregnancy risk of the adolescent ED population or their interest in sexual health education in the ED setting.
Aims
- Assess adolescent support for learning about contraception during emergency department visits.
- Collect information about adolescent females’ interest in learning about sexual health issues while seeking care in the emergency department.
Methods
Study Design: Anonymous written surveys of a random sample of female adolescents.
Population: 77 15-to-19-year-old females presenting for care in a children’s hospital emergency department for any chief complaint during randomly selected blocks of time.
Progress
Findings from this study have appeared in:
Fine L, Mollen CJ. A pilot study to assess candidacy for emergency contraception and interest in sexual health education in a pediatric emergency department population. Pediatr Emerg Care. In press.
