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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2017 Sep 1.
Published in final edited form as: J Adolesc Health. 2017 Mar;60(3 Suppl):S57–S62. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.12.006

Table 1.

Strategies to address focus group findings

Findings Strategies
Teens recognized parents and the Internet as valuable sources of information about reproductive health

  • A Web site (notrightnowsc.org) providing accurate information about contraception, minors’ rights to health care, and other sexual health topics for teens and their parents.

  • Work with local community-based organizations to provide parents resources for conversations about sexual health with their teens.
Teens suggested using advertisements, social media, and schools to provide information about health services.

  • Advertising time targeted at local teens on internet radio directing them to notrightnowsc.org.

  • Using Facebook, Twitter, and a teen-driven blog to reach youth.

  • Health centers participated in school-related events to increase awareness about available reproductive health services.
Confidentiality was a major concern raised by teens in the focus groups.

  • Specialized training to clinics about improving and communicating about confidentiality of services.

  • Development of publications for clinicians and teens about minors’ rights to confidential reproductive health care.
Focus group participants identified the need for friendly clinical encounters

  • Trainings for clinical staff on adolescent growth and development, increasing positive encounters with teens, answering sensitive questions about reproductive health.

  • Clinics provided tours for teens and their families during community events (e.g., block party, back-to-school night) to address teens’ concerns about going to a clinic.
Teens emphasized the importance of privacy and expressed the desire for a teen-only clinic.

  • Two health centers instituted teen-only hours to increase sense of privacy.

  • One health center developed a special teen-only waiting area with a private entrance.

  • Health centers created teen-friendly spaces (i.e., bright colors, age-appropriate materials that reflect diversity) in their waiting and examination rooms.
Inaccurate information about contraception was common and the side effects of contraception could be a barrier to use.

  • Partnership with Cicatelli Associates Inc. Global to offer a specialized contraceptive counseling training (Reducing Unintended Pregnancy: Contraceptive Counseling Approaches for Adolescents) including techniques that dispel myths and address concerns about side effects.