Handy CJ, et al. - Researchers, in this study, aimed to delineate contraceptive use among female adolescents initiating outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder. They recognized high risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes among young women presenting for opioid use disorder treatment. Majority of the woman was sexually active and was not using prescription contraception. Findings highlight the necessity for contraceptive counseling in this patient population. Optimally, these services would be provided in combination with substance use treatment.

Methods

• Researchers conducted this study at outpatient clinic providing medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders to adolescents and young adults.
• Non-pregnant female adolescents presenting for treatment from January 1, 2013 to January 31, 2016 (N=123) participated in this study.
• They assessed prescription contraceptive use at baseline and initiation of a new method within 90 days.

Results

• Researchers recognized 123 females presenting for treatment of opioid use disorder; 113 (91.9%) reported sexual activity and 80 (65.0%) were not using prescription contraception at intake.
• Forty-three (34.9%) reported previous pregnancy and 20 (16.3%) were positive for a sexually transmitted infection.
• For 73 (59.3%) patients, contraceptive counseling was not documented.
• In this study, among patients off prescription contraception at baseline, 56 of 80 (70.0%) initiated a method within the study window.
• Contraceptive initiation was significantly (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval) associated with prior pregnancy (8.6; 1.39-52.99), education < high school diploma/GED (7.4; 1.63-33.41), and return for follow up visit (9.8; 2.18-43.69).