The Use of Oral Contraceptive Pharmaceutical Sample Packs by Adolescent Health Care Providers

Study Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand how health care providers use and distribute oral contraceptive pill (OCP) sample packs to adolescents. Design: Qualitative study involving face-to-face structured interviews. Setting: Interviews lasted approximately 20–30 minutes and were done in the health care providerʹs office setting. Participants: A convenience sample of fourteen health care providers (pediatricians, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, and midwives) who have practices that include adolescents were interviewed. Main Outcome Measures: Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Two independent reviewers read the transcripts for themes. Transcripts were then coded and frequency counts were done. Conclusions: OCP sample packs are an important tool for education and compliance. The pharmaceutical OCP sample supply may influence the health care providerʹs OCP choice for a teen.