A pilot program of contraceptive continuation in six school-based clinics.

PURPOSE: Few school-based health centers (SBHC) in the United States dispense contraceptives on-site and little is known about contraceptive continuation in these health centers.

METHODS: An 11-month contraceptive continuation pilot project offering monthly reproductive health assessment and counseling to students enrolled in Baltimore school clinics was evaluated. One hundred-forty-three women voluntarily enrolled in the study over a seven month period. A monthly contraceptive calendar was developed to collect data on contraceptive use, pregnancy and STD risk, sexual behavior and parental support for contraceptive use. Physical assessment was provided as needed to assess the presence of STD's or pregnancy. Data were analyzed for the month prior to enrollment in the program and eleven months after entry into the program.

RESULTS: Both contraceptive (OCP) use and abstinence increased over the course of the program. Condom use remained at approximately 30% with frequent use of OCP's and condoms, condoms or abstinence. Program drop-out was common. Thirteen students became pregnant while enrolled in the program and 35% of the students were diagnosed with one or more sexually transmitted diseases. Partner-switching was common, although two or more partners within any one month was rare.

CONCLUSIONS: Monthly follow-up provided through SBHCs can improve contraceptive use although dropout rate and contraceptive failure remain high.