Abstracts of research poster presentation
Session I: Medications and vaccines
30: Variation in Intention to Prescribe Emergency Contraception (EC) Among Pediatric Trainees

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.11.075Get rights and content

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Purpose

Many pediatric residency programs train residents to prescribe EC. Despite the training there is concern that many residents will be hesitant to prescribe EC in advance of its need because of personal beliefs and attitudes. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine whether pediatric residents vary on intention to prescribe EC, (2) whether those with strongest intentions have more positive abortion attitudes and a stronger belief that adolescent sexual behavior is acceptable than the

Methods

In the Spring of 2007, we conducted an anonymous, web-based survey of pediatric residents from four training programs in Baltimore and the District of Columbia. A total of 141 (50%) residents responded. Intention to prescribe EC was assessed by reported likelihood of prescription in five scenarios (alpha 0.73). Participants were classified as “EC Proponents” (ECP) if they were likely to prescribe in all scenarios. All other participants were classified as “Non EC Proponents” (Non-ECP).

Results

Eighteen percent of the respondents were classified as ECP and 82% Non-ECP. There were no differences between the groups on gender, age, or level of training. Similar percentages of both groups reported having completed an adolescent medicine rotation (73% vs 71%) and having attended a teaching session that included EC (64% vs. 63%). Non-ECP had more negative abortion attitudes (p = 0.032) and more negative attitudes towards adolescent sex (p = 0.023) than ECP. Forty-five percent of Non-ECP

Conclusions

Completion of adolescent medicine rotations and teaching sessions including EC may not be enough to affect intention. Consideration should be given to innovative training strategies such as values clarification which can target training to the attitudinal stage of the trainee with the aim of improving frequency of routine EC counseling and advanced prescription.

Sources of Support

NICHD Training Grant T32 HD052459-01.

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