Mobile contraceptive application use in a clinical setting in addition to standard contraceptive counseling: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of miPlan, a waiting-room contraceptive counseling mobile application (app), on interest in discussing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) during the clinical encounter and LARC uptake. Study designThis randomized controlled trial evaluated the miPlan contraceptive counseling app. African American and Latina young women ages 15–29 years attending four family planning clinics in a large Midwestern city were randomized to either: (1) use miPlan (intervention) prior to the contraceptive clinic visit or (2) contraceptive clinic visit alone (control). Groups were compared on knowledge of contraceptive effectiveness, interest in discussing LARC, behavioral intentions to use LARC, and LARC uptake. ResultsFrom February 2015 to January 2016, 207 young women were randomized to intervention (n=104) or control (n=103) group. Immediately following app use, the intervention group had an increase in knowledge and interest in learning about the implant. Immediate post visit, there was no significant difference in uptake of LARC between the two groups (p>.05). At three months post intervention, app users reported more knowledge of IUD effectiveness (52.3% vs 30.8%, p=.001) compared to controls. There was no significant difference in LARC use. ConclusionApp use was not associated with an increase in using LARC methods. It was associated with increased knowledge of contraceptive effectiveness, an interest in learning about the implant, and behavioral intentions to use LARC methods. ImplicationsThe miPlan app is a feasible clinic adjunct for increasing contraceptive knowledge and intentions, however, it is not associated with increased LARC use. Mobile applications can offer an accessible complement to the contraceptive counseling visit.