Enhancing Adolescent Reproductive Health Services: Assessment of Health Care Practices in Holyoke and Springfield, MA Engaged in the Youth First Initiative

Abstract

Health care practices can play a key role in reducing teen pregnancies, though current health care systems do not adequately meet adolescents' reproductive health needs. To address this gap, Youth First, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded, community-wide initiative in Holyoke and Springfield (Massachusetts) established partnerships with nine local health care practices to increase adolescent access to health services. However, we had limited knowledge about their reproductive health services and policies. To address this gap, assessments were conducted with staff using structured interviews and surveys to inform targeted efforts to enhance the quality and youth friendliness of adolescent reproductive health services. Findings revealed that many of the youth-friendly services best practices recommended by the CDC were not routinely implemented by all health care practices. Findings from this assessment can be used to support health care practices to facilitate widespread adoption of best practices related to meeting adolescents' reproductive health needs.

“Contraceptive Care for Adolescents in School-Based Health Centers Is Essential!”

“…Adolescents benefit from care that allows for individualized health education and prevention strategies. Many teens delay or miss opportunities for health-care intervention because of concerns regarding their confidentiality, lack of access to services, misperceptions related to the risks associated with unprotected sex and contraceptive use, or their insurance status that can make it difficult for them to establish and maintain a clinical relationship with a health-care provider (Bhuiya et al, 2016; Daley, 2012, 2014; Harrison et al, 2012; Lara-Torre, 2009; Lehrer, Pantell, Tebb, & Shafer, 2007; McKee & Fletcher, 2006). A consistent health-care provider can assist teens by maximizing health-care services to prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs (Daley, 2012; Daley, Sadler, Leventhal, Cromwell, & Reynolds, 2004, 2005).…”