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Abstract Details

Sexual and Reproductive Health in Adolescent and Young Adult Women with Epilepsy: a Qualitative Study of Pediatric Neurologists and Epileptologists
Child Neurology and Developmental Neurology
P14 - Poster Session 14 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)
5-013
To explore the attitudes and practices of pediatric neurologists and epileptologists regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) for adolescent and young adult women with epilepsy (WWE).
Adolescent and young adult WWE have unique SRH needs, including counseling on teratogenesis, folic acid, and interactions between contraception and antiseizure medications. There are no prior studies regarding SRH practices of pediatric neurologists or epileptologists.
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with pediatric neurologists and epileptologists, regarding their attitudes, practices, and experiences with SRH for adolescent and young adult WWE. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach. 
Six child neurologists and 10 epileptologists (44% male) participated. Major themes included the following: (1) SRH is important for adolescent WWE and should be co-managed with pediatricians and/or obstetricians-gynecologists. (2) There is little standardization in practice with variability in content, frequency, and quality of SRH. Important subthemes included parent education and decision-making around provision of SRH based on perceived patient risk of unintended pregnancy. (3) SRH provision differed substantially for women with intellectual disabilities. (4) Perceived barriers to SRH provision included limited time; provider, patient or family discomfort; and lack of necessary knowledge or expertise. (5) Perceived facilitators to SRH included strategies for standardization of SRH patient education, inclusion of SRH in transition programs, partnerships with pediatricians and/or obstetrician-gynecologists, and improved provider training on SRH. 

This is the first study to assess attitudes and practices of pediatric neurologists and epileptologists regarding SRH for adolescent and young adult WWE. Our findings suggest there is a need for development of improved systems for SRH delivery and co-management for adolescent and young adult WWE. Providers identified many barriers and facilitators that might serve as the basis for interventions to improve care.  
Authors/Disclosures
Laura A. Kirkpatrick, MD (UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh)
PRESENTER 		The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from American Epilepsy Society. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from Child Neurologist Career Development Program. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from Child Neurology Foundation. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from Rosenau Family Research Foundation. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from Society of Family Planning. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium. Dr. Kirkpatrick has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Meeting Attendee with One8 Foundation. Dr. Kirkpatrick has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Meeting Attendee with Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. Kirkpatrick has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Meeting Attendee with Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium. Dr. Kirkpatrick has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Grant reviewer with Society of Family Planning. Dr. Kirkpatrick has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Speaker with Norton Children's Hospital. Dr. Kirkpatrick has a non-compensated relationship as a Board of Directors member with My Epilepsy Story that is relevant to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ interests or activities.
No disclosure on file
Yoshimi Sogawa, MD (Montefiore Medical Center) Dr. Sogawa has nothing to disclose.
Traci Kazmerski The institution of Traci Kazmerski has received research support from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The institution of Traci Kazmerski has received research support from NIH.