Menstruation and contraception patterns of female adolescent transplant recipients.

Creator(s)

Christina Davis-Kankanamge
Jeanette Higgins, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Jenifer E. Allsworth
Julie L. Strickland, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2020

Identifier

DOI: 10.1111/petr.13817

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of knowledge regarding menstrual cycles and contraception usage for adolescent transplant patients and families. Solid organ transplant patients start teratogenic medications which have pregnancy implications. We explore adolescent female solid organ transplant recipient and guardian's contraceptive knowledge and attitudes as well as menstrual patterns.

METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was utilized to collect information from adolescent female transplant patients who are on mycophenolate mofetil after solid organ transplant and their guardians within our freestanding children's hospital via a survey. The sample consisted of all female adolescent patients who have completed a solid organ transplant and are on mycophenolate mofetil from April 2016 through May 2017.

RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were approached, of which nineteen patients and seventeen guardians completed the survey. The average age of the patient was 16.2 years. The average age at time of transplant was 12.2 years. The type of transplants includes renal (57.1%), heart (23.8%), and liver (4.8%). There were six patients (33.3%) who had a history of sexual activity; among these patients, the mean number of partners in the last year was 1.2. Menstrual concerns included dysmenorrhea, irregular bleeding, and heavy bleeding pre- and post-transplant, respectively. Participants reported contraceptive counseling prior to and after transplant approximately half of the time.

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent solid organ transplant patients have multiple reproductive needs including contraception, dysmenorrhea, and irregular bleeding. Integration of contraceptive knowledge into clinical care received by adolescents with solid organ transplants is supported by knowledge gained through this study.

Journal Title

Pediatric transplantation

Volume

24

Issue

7

First Page

13817

Last Page

13817

Keywords

adolescents; contraception; sexual behavior; solid organ transplantation

Comments

Grant support

• University of Missouri Kansas City, School of Graduate Studies

Recommended Citation

Davis-Kankanamge C, Higgins J, Allsworth JE, Strickland J. Menstruation and contraception patterns of female adolescent transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplant. 2020;24(7):e13817. doi:10.1111/petr.13817