The Adolescent Experience of Filling Prescriptions for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-1-2022

Journal

Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology

Volume

35

Issue

3

DOI

10.1016/j.jpag.2021.12.009

Keywords

Adolescents; Mobile health; Sex; Sexually transmitted infections; Treatment adherence

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe adolescents' experience with treatment adherence when prescribed antibiotics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in emergency departments (ED). METHODS: Adolescents diagnosed with STIs in two EDs and prescribed outpatient treatment were interviewed to identify barriers and facilitators to treatment adherence. RESULTS: Of 26 participants, 46.2% filled their prescriptions, 38.5% returned to the ED for treatment, 7.7% received treatment elsewhere, and 7.7% received no treatment. All adolescents who filled their prescriptions notified caregivers of their diagnosis, compared with 50.0% who returned to the ED (P = 0.01). Adolescents identified cost, transportation, lack of insurance card, and lack of knowledge as perceived barriers to treatment adherence. Less than half of the participants were interested in school-based health clinics due to anonymity concerns. Most expressed interest in using mobile health (mHealth) to overcome adherence challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents identified multiple barriers to treatment adherence. Future work should explore the role of caregiver communication and incorporation of mHealth.

Department

Pediatrics

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