Implementation intention formation reduces consultations for emergency contraception and pregnancy testing among teenage women

Health Psychol. 2009 Nov;28(6):762-9. doi: 10.1037/a0016200.

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the impact of implementation intention formation in reducing consultations for emergency contraception and pregnancy testing in young women.

Design: Teenage girls (N = 261) visiting a family planning clinic were randomly assigned to implementation intention versus control conditions and completed questionnaires at recruitment.

Main outcome measures: Objective measures of consultation outcomes were obtained from clinic records at baseline and 9-month follow-up (n = 200).

Results: Forming implementation intentions significantly reduced consultations for emergency contraception and pregnancy testing at follow-up compared with the control group (38% vs. 55%). There were also differences between the groups in consultation outcomes over time. For instance, whereas 31% of implementation intention participants changed from consulting for emergency contraception and pregnancy testing at baseline to consulting for contraceptive supplies only at follow-up, only 16% of control participants did so.

Conclusion: These results suggest that implementation intention formation is a simple yet effective means of promoting pregnancy prevention among teenagers.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Contraception, Postcoital*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Tests*
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data*
  • State Medicine
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom