Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Sep;88(3):401-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.11.019. Epub 2013 Jan 4.

Self-administration of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate by adolescent women

Rebekah L Williams  1 , Devon J Hensel, J Dennis Fortenberry
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Self-administration of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate by adolescent women

Rebekah L Williams et al. Contraception. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) is now available in subcutaneous (SC) formulation, potentially allowing for home-based self-administration. We examined adolescents' interest in and proficiency at DMPA-SC self-administration.

Study design: This is a planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing pain between DMPA-IM and DMPA-SC. In the trial, study participants (N=55) aged 14-21 years were recruited at DMPA initiation and randomized to receive DMPA-IM or DMPA-SC. Participants received the alternate formulation at 3 months, chose formulation at 6 months and could learn self-administration at 9 months. The current analysis is of the women who chose self-administration of DMPA-SC. Proficiency was rated for each step of self-administration: independently [I], with reassurance [R], with verbal instruction [V] or nurse performed [RN]. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics.

Results: Thirty-five percent (19/55) of participants learned self-administration. Proficiency ratings were as follows: chose injection site (I=78.9%, R=5.3%, V=5.3%, RN=10.5%), cleaned site (I=89.5%, RN=10.5%), assembled injection device (I=47.4%, R=36.8%, V=15.8%), self-injected (I=31.6%, R=36.8%, V=15.8%, RN=15.8%) and disposed of device (I=21.1%, R=21.1%, RN=57.9%).

Conclusions: Many adolescents are interested in and capable of DMPA-SC self-administration with brief education and minimal assistance.

Keywords: Adolescent; Contraception; Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate; Self-injection.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: None of the authors have a conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Participant recruitment, flow, and retention.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Martinez G, Copen CE, Abma JC. Teenagers in the United States: Sexual activity, contraceptive use, and childbearing, 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat. 2011;23(31) - PubMed
    1. Abma JC, Martinez GM, Mosher WD, Dawson BS. Teenagers in the United States: Sexual activity, contraceptive use, and childbearing, 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat. 2004;23(24) - PubMed
    1. Depo-SubQ Provera 104 [package insert] Pharmacia and Upjohn Co Division of Pfizer Inc; New York, NY: Oct, 2007. [Accessed June 1, 2012]. Available at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/021583lbl.pdf.
    1. Jain J, Jakimiuk AJ, Bode FR, Ross D, Kaunitz AM. Contraceptive efficacy and safety of DMPA-SC. Contraception. 2004;70:269–75. - PubMed
    1. Jain J, Dutton C, Nicosia A, Wajszczuk C, Bode FR, Mishell DR. Pharmacokinetics, ovulation suppression and return to ovulation following a lower dose subcutaneous formulation of Depo-Provera. Contraception. 2004;70:11–8. - PubMed

Publication types

Substances