Based on the literature concerning intervention strategies for family planning for women on Medicaid 14-65 living in poverty: Are there any...

Dehlendorf et al. (2010) (see the reference below) found that there are significant racial/ethnic and socio-economic differences in the rates of unintended pregnancies among women. This research suggests that the provision of patient-centered reproductive healthcare services can improve the ability of women from different backgrounds to make "informed choices" about their reproductive health. 

In addition, the Office of Adolescent Health of the HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) is looking at ways to prevent teen pregnancies, which cost the government anywhere from $9.4 to $28 billion annually (see the link below). There is evidence that expanding teens' access to Medicaid-based health services and using media to expand safe sex health campaigns can reduce teen pregnancy. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 expands healthcare services for adolescents and offers models of care and clinical training that concentrate on family planning. These models include directing healthcare providers to screen teens for sexually risky behaviors and to counsel them about these behaviors.


The CDC (Centers for Disease Control), at the link below, also has guidelines about preventing pregnancy and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). These guidelines are based on the literature, which suggests that healthcare providers play a critical role in intervening to prevent pregnancy and STDs. Healthcare providers should screen their patients as part of the clinical interview about their sexual histories and counsel them about how to reduce sexually risky behaviors. Counseling should reflect respect and a non-judgmental attitude. The Office of Population Affairs (OPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published "Providing Quality Family Planning Services (QFP)" in 2014 to provide guidelines about family planning care. This care provides guidance about preventing care and spacing births. See the Kaiser Family Foundation report for more details. 



References:


Christine Dehlendorf, MD MAS, Maria Isabel Rodriguez, MD,Kira Levy, BA,Sonya Borrero, MD MS, and Jody Steinauer, MD MAS. Disparities in Family Planning. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Mar; 202(3): 214–220.


Kaiser Family Foundation, Women and Health Care in the Early Years of the Affordable Care Act: Key Findings from the 2013 Kaiser Women’s Health Survey, May 2014.


Kamb ML, Fishbein M, Douglas JM, Jr., et al. Project RESPECT Study Group. Efficacy of risk-reduction counseling to prevent human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted diseases: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 1998;280:1161–7.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What are the problems with Uganda's government?

Youth unemployment and corruption are two problems that face the Ugandan government. Modern governments all over the world face many problem...