The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #34451

Abbey C. Sidebottom, MPH¹, Amanda S. Birnbaum, PhD, MPH², Sarah S. Nafstad, MS, RN, CNP³, and David Johnson, MPH¹. (1) Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support, 250 S 4th St, Rm 510, Minneapolis, MN 55415, (2) Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, (3) Teen Age Medical Servic, 2425 Chicago Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Background: In 1998, Minneapolis School Based Clinics began distributing contraceptive supplies (condoms, oral contraceptives and Depo Provera). Prior to this time, students had been provided vouchers to pick up contraceptive supplies for no cost at community clinics. Objectives: This study examines receipt of contraceptives comparing the voucher system and the direct distribution system. Methods: Chart audits were done for students requesting contraceptives. Charts were selected into two groups based on the students’ year of graduation. The first group consisted of students from the class of 1998 who requested contraceptives under the voucher system (n=149). The second group consisted of students from the class of 2000 who requested contraceptives during the first two years of the direct distribution system (n=153). Measures of receipt of contraceptives were examined overall and by method requested. Males were included when examining receipt of condom requests. Results: Students were more likely to receive contraceptives under the direct distribution system than with vouchers. Under the voucher system 59% of students who requested a method of birth control during the study period actually received at least one of their requests. Under the direct distribution system, 99% of students received all of their requested contraceptives Demand for contraceptives did not increase after the direct distribution system was implemented. Conclusions: Direct distribution of contraceptives may be an effective strategy for school based clinics wanting to remove barriers to contraceptive access.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Articulate and discuss the strategy of direct distribution of contraceptives in School Based Clinics, compared to a voucher system for reducing teen barriers to access to contraceptives.
• Identify how these evaluation results fit into their own community structure and relate to a broader teen pregnancy prevention strategy.
• Describe an example of using empirical evidence to document the effects of a controversial public health policy.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support - School Based Clinics
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.