Contraception Management at Point of Care for Emergency Contraception
Institution: | Otterbein University |
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Department: | Nursing |
Degree: | DNP |
Year: | 2013 |
Keywords: | Nursing; emergency contraception; pregnancies; ulipristal acetate; progesterone receptor modulator |
Record ID: | 2008335 |
Full text PDF: | http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=otbn1367841736 |
Nearly half of pregnancies in the United States are unintended with many ending in abortions. Unintended pregnancies are associated with delayed prenatal care, premature birth and negative mental or physical effects in children. The United States Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2020 plans to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies from 49% to 44% in 10 years. Unfortunately, many barriers exist for gaining access to longer acting forms of contraception for women. The intent of this project was to determine if women who were purchasing emergency contraception, were also thinking about gaining access to a longer acting form of contraception. The project also determined if women were aware of ulipristal acetate. A survey was developed and distributed to women over 18 who presented to two family planning clinics in Central Ohio requesting to purchase emergency contraception. 51% of women presenting to the clinic were interested in staying for an appointment to gain access for a longer acting form of contraception. 72% were not aware of the product ulipristal acetate, a safe and effective progesterone receptor modulator that can be used up to 120 hours or five days after unprotected intercourse. These findings suggest that women who present for emergency contraception may be ready to begin a longer acting form of contraception. There is a challenge in the health care community to increase contraception access for women of childbearing age. Women's health clinics may consider offering same-day appointments to enhance acquisition of longer acting forms of contraception. Additionally, many women may need more education about the five day emergency contraception, ulipristal acetate.