Injectable contraception
Although teenage pregnancy rates generally seem to be declining across Europe, many deprived communities still report significant birth rates among adolescents and young adults. While poverty, family problems, and other psychosocial issues are all contributory factors, access to effective contraception is also important. One of the core strategies has been to increase the use of longer-acting reversible contraceptive methods, including Depo-Provera, which is administered by injection every 3 months. In a recent US study, researchers tested a text messaging reminder system designed to improve appointment attendance among female patients (aged 13–21 years) using Depo-Provera.1 Participants were largely from low-income households and were followed up …