Continuation experience with depoprovera in adolescent mothers

Abstract

Background Since the advent of FDA approval of Depoprovera for contraceptive use, parenting adolescents have an additional option for contraception. This study was undertaken to determine the continuation rates of Depoprovera in a population of parenting adolescent mothers, to determine the timeliness of visits for subsequent Depoprovera injection, and to determine the choice of contraceptive following the use of Denonrovera. Methods Retrospective chart review of adolescent mothers utilizing the Young Parents Program which provides prenatal, peripartum, postpartum medical and nursing care for adolescent mothers as well as medical care for their offspring to the age of five. contraceptive options are addressed by the same staff and choices are recorded at discharge after delivery and at all subsequent visits. A standard form is also used at each follow-up visit to record choice of continuation of current method or choice of another method. 69 charts were reviewed by the same reviewer covering a 15 month time period. Results 50(72.4%) of adolescent mothers continued with Depoprovera during this 15 month time period. 36(72%) of these mothers returned on time, i.e. within 12 weeks of the last injection and 14(28%) of these mothers were late for at least one Depoprovera. 3 mothers changed to Norp1ant and all of these mothers had been on time for their Depoprovera injections. 12 mothers changed to oral contraceptive pills and only one of these mothers was late on any of her Depoprovera injections. 2 mothers changed to foam and condoms and all of these were on time for their oepoprovera injections. 2 mothers discontinued Depoprovera to actively pursue pregnancy. No pregnancies occurred during the review period. Conclusions In a population of adolescent mothers 19 years of age or younger, Depoprovera is a popular choice. clearly, almost 3/4ths of this group chose to continue Depoprovera during the 15 month review period and 72% of these mothers returned on time for their injection. of those mothers choosing to discontinue Depoprovera 18 of 19 mothers had been on time for their injection. Depoprovera is a convenient method of contraception for adolescent mothers, is easily continued, and allows compliance in an oth difficult population to contracept.