App-Based Contraception Gains Acceptance Among Young Adults
A new study reveals that adolescents and young adults are increasingly open to accessing contraceptive prescriptions via a pharmacist-led e-platform. This shift could significantly improve access to family planning services and reduce unintended pregnancies.
Acceptance of New Contraception Delivery Method
According to research published in JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting, an e-platform called Birth Control Pass (BCPass) has been well-received by adolescents and young adults (AYAs) for obtaining contraceptive prescriptions. Researchers also found that pharmacist-led prescribing methods were consistent with standard clinic visits.
The study authors noted significant drops in teen pregnancy rates. They stated that the rate among 15-19 year olds declined from 61.8 births per 1000 in 1991 to 13.5 in 2022. In addition, AYAs aged 20-24 reported a record low pregnancy rate of 60.4 births per 1000.
“We’ve known for some time that abstinence-only programs are ineffective at reducing teen birth rates,”
—Lawrence Wu, PhD, Professor in NYU’s Department of Sociology
The researchers also recognized that AYAs between 15 and 24 are the age group most at risk for unplanned pregnancies. Their study sought to understand the convenience, simplicity, and affordability of obtaining prescriptions, which is what women and those seeking to give birth prefer. A recent study by the Guttmacher Institute showed that unintended pregnancies in the U.S. account for nearly half of all pregnancies (Guttmacher Institute, 2024).
Study Details
The study involved the development and testing of the BCPass app. 22 AYAs, with an average age of 17.64, took part in the study. Phase 1 involved 10 participants, and phase 2 included 12 participants.
Overall, participants agreed that using an app for contraceptives would increase access and reduce stigma, as the authors reported. They also believed that receiving prescriptions from a pharmacist via an app would be safe, convenient, acceptable, and easy. Pharmacists and medical providers were in complete agreement regarding the contraceptive methods prescribed to the study participants.
The e-platform was able to simulate easy and fast prescribing for AYAs. During the development phase, the researchers identified three issues in AYA interviews, which were successfully resolved. The BCPass app not only demonstrated the safe and easy use of contraceptive services for AYAs, but also confirmed that apps like this can significantly improve access to these services.
The authors’ conclusion was that the app was highly acceptable, and provided critical feedback to improve its design and delivery. The pharmacist approvals were identical to those of the routine clinic visits.