Assessment of a Novel Interactive Website to Inform Adolescent and Young Adult Decision-Making about Contraception

Abstract

Study ObjectiveAdolescents and young adults (AYAs) rely on internet resources for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information. Interactive tools are promising in health education, yet existing SRH websites do not contain validated resources to support AYAs in contraception decision-making. “Teen Health” is an original, interactive educational website designed for AYAs that includes a novel contraception education tool (CET). MethodsA convenience sample of pregnancy-capable patients aged 13-25 years were recruited during scheduled appointments at outpatient clinics affiliated with a tertiary children's hospital from January-June 2022. Electronic surveys evaluated participants’ contraception preferences before and after website exposure. CET results were reported in the post-website exposure survey. Written feedback was solicited after website exposure. Results128 participants with a mean age of 15.95 years (SD 1.93) participated in this study. Participant demographics were notable for diverse representation of gender identities and sexual preferences. Contraception preferences before and after website exposure differed significantly (p<0.001). Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) were the most commonly-selected contraception method both pre- and post-website exposure. There was a significant relationship between CET results and post-website contraception preference. Many participants asked for additional topics in adolescent health to be featured on “Teen Health”. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasible implementation and utility of an interactive, teen-friendly SRH educational tool for AYAs. Further study of this website's utility may include broadening the research population to include other languages, clinical institutions, and educational settings, non-contraceptive uses for this resource, as well as contraception selection outcomes after exposure to this website.