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Abstract #163824

Alwyn T. Cohall, MD¹, Montsine Nshom, MPH¹, and Andrea M. Nye, MPH². (1) Harlem Health Promotion Center, Columbia University, 215 W. 125th Street, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10027, (2) Harlem Health Promotion Center and Project STAY, Columbia University, 215 W. 125th Street, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10027, 646.284.9728, amn49@columbia.edu

Recent FDA policy change regarding the availability of Emergency Contraception (EC) has the potential to positively affect knowledge of and access to EC, therefore significantly reducing rates of unintended pregnancy. Unfortunately, little is known about adolescent and young adult knowledge or attitudes in regard to emergency contraception. Therefore, we conducted short surveys, in-depth interviews and focus groups with high-risk youth in NYC to ascertain awareness of EC in general, as well as thoughts and opinions on age limitations associated with the FDA policy change. Although half of the participants demonstrated previous knowledge of the existence of EC, few had heard of the change to behind-the-counter status for those 18 and above. There were also common misconceptions about EC, including the belief that it causes an abortion or is synonymous with RU486. When asked about the benefits associated with the new FDA policy, most participants felt that EC would be a valuable tool in pregnancy prevention. Perceived drawbacks and barriers associated with behind-the-counter access included a concern about the financial cost of purchasing EC at a drug store and a perceived lack of confidentiality or anonymity when obtaining EC. Along with the provision of information on teen knowledge and attitudes around EC, interviews and focus groups highlight the need for further education and outreach around this valuable birth control method.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the discussion, participants will be able to define emergency contraception and articulate the current federal policy in regard to behind-the-counter distribution for those 18 years and older.
• Identify existing adolescent knowledge and attitudes related to Emergency Contraception (EC) and changes in EC availability associated with the 2006 FDA policy change.
• Recognize common barriers and facilitators associated with at-risk adolescent and young adult use of Emergency Contraception.
• Prioritize basic steps necessary to educate high-risk youth in regard to birth control in general and Emergency Contraception in particular.
• Develop a community-based action plan aimed at increasing youth knowledge of and access to EC.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.