Evaluation of the usefulness of the HOPE or hormones with optional pelvic exam program offered at a family planning clinic

Background: Communities across the country face high rates of unintended pregnancy, which comprise ½ of all pregnancies in the US. Medical procedures that are still commonly required before providing hormonal contraceptives (HCs), including breast and pelvic examinations and Papanicolaou tests, stand as a barrier to contraception, even though organizations have declared them to be unnecessary over the last 15 years. Purpose: The study purpose is to evaluate the usefulness of HOPE, or hormonal contraception with optional pelvic exam, which is offered by a Virginia Planned Parenthood affiliate. The methods of contraception HOPE patients adopt and their perceptions surrounding HC access will be assessed. Methodology: A clinic-based, cross-sectional study in the form of a patient questionnaire has been initiated with a sample of voluntary participants attending HOPE visits over three months. The questionnaire includes three sections: demographics, reproductive history, and opinions about physical exams and contraception access. Patients indicate what form(s) of birth control they used when they last had sex and the form provided with via HOPE. Following data collection, analysis will be carried out, including descriptive statistics to summarize patient opinions and chi-square analyses to determine the percentage of patients who accept a more, less, or same level of effectiveness method of pregnancy prevention through HOPE compared to their prior method. The anticipated results may find HOPE effective in increasing the potential for pregnancy prevention and find women valuing opportunities to obtain HCs without exams, indicating more HOPE-like options are needed throughout communities, which could reduce unintended pregnancies.