105. Training Providers at School-Based Health Centers in Intrauterine Devices and Implants: The Effect of an Evidence-Based Program on Provider Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices

Abstract

Providing adolescents with access to the full range of contraceptive methods, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), is important to enable adolescents to prevent pregnancy if they wish to. Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) and implants have been shown to be safe and acceptable among adolescents. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend that providers include LARC in counseling adolescents, alongside other reversible methods. Despite high efficacy and satisfaction rates, only 7% of female adolescents use LARCs. Barriers to adolescent use of LARC methods include lack of knowledge about LARC among adolescents and providers not viewing adolescents as eligible for LARC methods. Data from contraceptive providers show that many hesitate to counsel or provide the IUD to adolescents due to their own incorrect views on eligibility. One promising approach to support adolescents’ access to LARC is by training providers at school-based health centers (SBHCs), which serve as a critical access point for adolescents. This study evaluates the impact of offering an evidence-based provider training on LARC to providers at SBHCs.