Characteristics Associated with Emergency Contraception Use in Asian American Adolescents

Background:

Emergency contraception (EC) has significant potential to reduce unintended pregnancy. Barriers for EC use include cost, access, lack of knowledge, and fear of side effects. In Asian communities where the topic of sex is rarely discussed, EC is likely to be misunderstood and underutilized as a contraceptive option, particularly in teenagers.

Objectives:

This study was undertaken to characterize adolescent EC users as well as to explore the circumstances prompting EC use at a large community health center in NYC Chinatown.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who requested EC during July 2007 to June 2008 at the health center. Demographic and historical data collected included: age, place of birth, insurance status, age of first vaginal intercourse, prior STD infections, past pregnancy, and concurrent contraceptive use.

Results:

Of the 43 EC visits reviewed, 3 patients (8%) requested EC more than once. The most common circumstance prompting EC request was no contraceptive use during the sexual encounter (46.5%), followed by condom breakage (25.5%). The majority of the EC users were in their first sexual relationship, with no prior STD or past pregnancy. Only 3 patients identified parents as trusted adults for advice.

Conclusions:

Asian teenagers who are requesting EC are usually inexperienced sexually, not using contraceptives or misusing condoms. Health educational outreach needs to start early and should be provided at schools and community settings where Asian teens are being served, as parents may not be a primary resource of information for sexual related matters.