Results of a randomized controlled trial of a brief behavioral intervention for pelvic inflammatory disease in adolescents

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this research was to examine the effectiveness of a brief behavioral intervention, provided at the time of diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease, on subsequent behaviors by patients who were urban adolescents in a community in which sexually transmitted infection was prevalent.

Methods: 121 adolescents aged 15 to 21 years with mild to moderate pelvic inflammatory disease were enrolled in a randomized trial. All participants received standardized care, completed baseline audio computerized self-interviews, received full courses of medication at discharge, and were interviewed after the 2-week treatment course. The intervention group also watched a 6-minute intervention video.

Main outcome measures: Medication completion, temporary sexual abstinence during the 14-day treatment period, partner notification, partner treatment, and return for 72-hour follow-up were studied. Data were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis.

Results: Of the participants, 61% were located and could participate in the 2-week interview by the disease intervention specialist. The intervention participants had higher rates of 72-hour follow-up (32% vs. 16%) and partner treatment (71% vs. 53%) in bivariate analyses at a P = 0.1 level. There were no differences in medication completion (66% vs. 66%), sexual abstinence (78% vs. 89%), or partner notification (88% vs. 92%). Only the partner-treatment finding persisted in multivariate models (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI, 1.03-9.39, P = .045).

Conclusions: Adolescent girls randomized to a community-specific video intervention at diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease were three times more likely to have their partners treated than those in the control group. Given the value of partner treatment in secondary prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, this video may be an essential component of discharge programming in urgent care settings. Additional structural supports may be necessary to facilitate improved adherence to other key adherence behaviors.