In Their Own Voices: The Reproductive Health Care Experiences of Detained Adolescent Girls

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• 作者：Emily E. Johnston ; MD^aAuthor Vitae ; Bianca R. Argueza ; MD^bAuthor Vitae ; Caroline Graham ; MD^aAuthor Vitae ; Janine S. Bruce ; DrPH ; MPH^aAuthor Vitae ; Lisa J. Chamberlain ; MD ; MPH^aAuthor Vitae ; Arash Anoshiravani ; MD ; MPH^c ; ^d ; ^{anoshara@stanford.edu" class="auth_mail" title="E-mail the corresponding author}Author Vitae
• 刊名：Women's Health Issues
• 出版年：2016
• 出版时间：January-February 2016
• 年：2016
• 卷：26
• 期：1
• 页码：48-54
• 全文大小：325 K

文摘

Adolescent girls involved with the juvenile justice system have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy than their nondetained peers. Although they may receive reproductive health care while detained, following clinician recommendations and accessing services in the community can be challenging.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the barriers this population faces 1) accessing reproductive health care and 2) following the recommendations they receive when they are in the community.

Methods

Adolescent girls at a juvenile detention facility completed online surveys about their demographics and sexual health behaviors. A subsequent semistructured interview assessed their experiences with reproductive health care services.

Results

Twenty-seven girls aged 14 to 19 were interviewed. The majority (86%) self-reported as Latina or Hispanic. The average age of sexual debut was 13.8 years. The major interview themes were 1) personal priorities and motivations affect decision making, 2) powerful external voices influence reproductive health choices, 3) accessing services “on the run” is particularly challenging, and 4) detention represents an opportunity for intervention and change.

Conclusion

Adolescent girls who are detained within the juvenile justice system face reproductive health challenges that vary with their life circumstances. They frequently have priorities, external voices, and situations that influence their decisions. Clinicians who care for these young women are in a unique position to address their health needs. Eliciting girls' goals, beliefs, and influences through motivational interviewing, as well as developing targeted interventions based on their unique experiences, may be particularly helpful for this population.