'If-then' planning in one-to-one behaviour change counselling is effective in promoting contraceptive adherence in teenagers. Issue 2 (31st March 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Jilly; Slade, Pauline; Sheeran, Paschal; Wright, Alison; Dibble, Tracey
• Is Part Of: Journal of family planning and reproductive health care. Volume 37:Issue 2(2011)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2011-03-31
• Subjects: Birth control -- Periodicals; Contraception -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; 613.905
• DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc.2010.0016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-1893

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Family planning clinicians were trained to provide one-to-one behaviour change counselling to deprived teenage women. They facilitated 'if-then' planning designed to increase adherence to contraception and to overcome potential barriers to adherence. Methods: Reasons for consultation at the clinic were obtained from electronic records and compared before and after the intervention. Results: It was found that consultation for emergency contraception and pregnancy testing was reduced by 15% (49% vs 34%) after making if-then plans. This compared to a 4% reduction in a usual care comparison group. Changes in reasons for consultation before and after the intervention were also explored. Positive changes in behaviour were exhibited in 53% of the group who made if-then plans compared to 28% of the usual care comparison group. Changes in reasons for consultation over time were significant in the counselling group ( n = 87, p = 0.035) but not in the comparison group ( n = 79, p = 0.68). Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that training clinicians in psychological behaviour change techniques such as if-then planning can be effective in influencing contraceptive consultation patterns among teenage women.