Influence of Peer Mentoring on Adolescent Contraceptive Decision Making

Unintended adolescent pregnancy continues to be a significant public health problem in the United States. While the use of highly effective forms of birth control, such as the long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARC) have been found to be more effective in decreasing pregnancy rates than non-LARC methods of birth control, knowledge and use of LARC has been shown to be low in this vulnerable population. We are interested in better understanding the influence peers may have on contraceptive decision making among adolescents. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a peer mentoring intervention on adolescent contraceptive decision making, specifically with regard to increasing long-acting, reversible contraceptive uptake. The main study intervention will consist of randomization to usual contraceptive counseling versus peer-mentoring plus usual contraceptive counseling. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires will be used to better understand peer influence on contraceptive decision making, and to assess the peer mentor-teen intervention interaction.

Inclusion criteria

• English speaking
• Female
• Age 13-21 years old at enrollment
• Desiring contraception; either currently not taking any method of contraception, or not satisfied with current method, and not desiring pregnancy in the next 12 months
• Willing and able to follow the study protocol

Exclusion criteria

• Male gender
• Younger than 13 years old, older than 21 years old
• Pregnant or desiring pregnancy within the coming year
• Issues or concerns in the judgement of the investigator that may compromise the safety of the subject or confound the reliability of compliance and information acquired in this study