Program

Nurse-Midwifery M.S.

Year Approved

2020

First Advisor

Wrede, Jane

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this literature appraisal is to assess adolescent access to long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs). Theoretical Framework: The Health Belief Model (HBM) helps describe the psychological and behavioral underpinnings of how one cares for one’s health. The HBM can be applied to how adolescents perceive the risks associated with unprotected intercourse compared to the perceived benefits of LARC usage. The HBM considers the benefits, barriers, risk of susceptibility, risk severity, self-efficacy, and cues to the action of adopting positive health interventions in one’s life (Jones et al., 2016). Methods: Twenty-four relevant articles from the literature were appraised. Results/Findings: LARCs prevent unintended pregnancies in diverse populations. LARCs are safe, long-acting, and reliable and associated with high satisfaction rates. Provider beliefs and knowledge base surrounding LARCs shape adolescent attitudes and access to these devices. Lack of time, training on insertion techniques, or sufficient counseling information pose barriers to LARC use. Implications for Research and Practice: Midwives should be up-to-date, familiar, and comfortable with these methods in order for patients to trust in their use. Midwives are well-suited to provide counseling regarding reproductive life planning, including dispensing contraception when adolescent pregnancy is not desired. Midwives should discuss LARC methods first as the most effective and ideal methods for all women, including adolescents. Further research is necessary to further examine barriers to LARC use in adolescents, including cost, same-day access to placement, concerns, and provider knowledge.

Degree Name

M.S. Nurse-Midwifery

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

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