EFFECT OF NURSE-CLIENT TRANSACTION ON FEMALE ADOLESCENTS' CONTRACEPTIVE PERCEPTIONS AND ADHERENCE.
Contributors: University of Pittsburgh.
Published: 1990
Number of pages: 226
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The purpose of the experimental study was to test the effect of a nurse-client transactional intervention on female adolescents' contraceptive perceptions and adherence. The intervention was based on King's (1981) theoretical framework and involved the nurse and adolescent client in the following: identifying anticipated perceived contraceptive benefits and barriers; confirming the adolescent client's goal of preventing pregnancy by using oral contraceptives; and developing a contraceptive adherence regimen to manage anticipated perceived contraceptive barriers.

The sample consisted of 16, 17 and 18 year old females (n = 51) who had never been married nor pregnant and who were seeking oral contraceptives for the first time. After voluntarily consenting to participate in the study, the subjects were randomly assigned to either a control group or an experimental group. Both groups were assessed for their contraceptive perceptions and autonomy immediately post-intervention and at the 3 month follow-up. At the 3 month follow-up, 39 subjects (76%) completed the study. Contraceptive adherence consisting of appointment-keeping and medication-taking behaviors were assessed at the 3 month follow-up.

The total sample had relatively high levels of contraceptive adherence, perceived susceptibility of pregnancy, seriousness of pregnancy resolution, affective seriousness of pregnancy, interpersonal contraceptive benefits and contraceptive benefits of responsibility along with relatively low levels of contraceptive barriers. Total contraceptive adherence was negatively associated with perceived contraceptive barriers (r = $-$.3609, p $<$.05).

King's (1981) assumption that goals are achieved through transactions based upon perceptions was supported by the findings of the study. Female adolescent clients who experienced the nurse-client transactional intervention had greater levels of perceived susceptibility of pregnancy (F = 3.98, p $<$.05) and contraceptive adherence (F = 4.15, p $<$.05) than female adolescent clients who did not experience the nurse-client transactional intervention. The findings suggest support for King's (1981) theoretical framework as a guide for nursing practice.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-07, Section: B, page: 3323.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, 1990.

School code: 0178.