Pilot Study of Reproductive Health Counseling in a Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic. Issue 4 (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ronis, Tova; Frankovich, Jennifer; Yen, Sophia; Sandborg, Christy; Chira, Peter
• Is Part Of: Arthritis care & research. Volume 66:Issue 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 631
• Page End: 635
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: Arthritis -- Periodicals; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.72
• DOI: 10.1002/acr.22159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2151-464X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="acr22159-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To assess perception and behavior after reproductive health counseling among adolescent patients in a tertiary care–based pediatric rheumatology clinic.</p> </sec> <sec id="acr22159-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Adolescent females seen at a Stanford pediatric rheumatology clinic were prospectively enrolled during routine visits. At the study start, standard clinic procedures were reviewed with providers for the following: 1) the home, education, activities, drugs, sexual activity, and suicide/depression (HEADSS) assessment; 2) reproductive health counseling; and 3) medical record documentation. Patients were enrolled if providers indicated that they performed the HEADSS assessment and reproductive health counseling. At enrollment, patients completed a survey to assess their perceptions of reproductive health counseling. Chart reviews confirmed documented discussions. A followup survey performed 3–5 months after enrollment tracked reproductive health information–seeking behavior.</p> </sec> <sec id="acr22159-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>In total, 90 females (mean ± SD age 17 ± 2 years) participated. Almost all patients (99%) agreed that reproductive health was discussed; 71% reported that pregnancy risks were discussed, 42% had recent concerns about reproductive health, and 33% reported their provider recommended that they seek further reproductive health care. Eighty‐four patients completed followup phone surveys, with 25% reporting seeking further information on reproductive health concerns, but with only 9.5% actually seeking further care. Only 18% of patients reported having ever asked their rheumatology provider for guidance regarding reproductive health care concerns.</p> </sec> <sec id="acr22159-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Routine reproductive health discussion and counseling are necessary in a rheumatology clinic because, in our experience, a substantial number of adolescents have concerns and actively seek reproductive health information. Despite these discussions, adolescents rarely pursue further reproductive health care. Further work to bridge this gap is needed.</p> </sec> </abstract>