Patient Satisfaction with IUD Services in a School-Based Health Center: A Pilot Study

Study Objective: We aimed to determine the acceptability to and satisfaction of high school students receiving an intrauterine device (IUD) at a school-based health center (SBHC). Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome Measures: In this prospective pilot study at a Bronx SBHC, adolescent patients who had an IUD inserted in the SBHC between November 2010 and June 2013 completed a self-administered survey on the day of IUD insertion and a follow-up survey within 6 months. The initial survey addressed patient sexual and contraceptive history, reasons for choosing the IUD, and the insertion experience, whereas the follow-up survey addressed IUD continuation and side effects. Results: In all, 104 of 139 (75%) eligible patients agreed to participate, and 75 (72%) of those completed the follow-up survey. Respondents chose IUDs because they were long-lasting, effective, private, and easy to remember, and chose the SBHC for services because it was convenient, recommended, free, and a trusted setting. Participants rated their interactions with SBHC staff highly, and almost all described their procedure experience as somewhat or very acceptable. Of the respondents, 92% were still using the IUD at the time of the follow-up survey, with 32% stating that they were somewhat satisfied and 65% stating they were very satisfied with this method of contraception. Conclusion: Our research demonstrates that IUD services can be integrated into the SBHC setting with high rates of acceptability and satisfaction. Furthermore, SBHCs provide a unique and acceptable option for providing these services and have the potential to increase adolescents’ contraceptive access and choice.