Planning Together: A Couple-based, Multi-level Prenatal Contraceptive Education Program for Economically Marginalized Families
University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine
Summary
The goal of this pilot trial is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the Planning Together protocol The hypothesis of this study are 1. The study will achieve feasibility, demonstrated by ≥80% study accrual (30 couples in 8 months), ≥75% protocol adherence, and ≥75% (e.g., education workbook completion) 2. The intervention will be acceptable, with \>80% of participants reporting satisfaction with Planning Together. 3. Patterns of primary outcomes (contraceptive knowledge, communication quality, community referral utilization) and secondary outcomes (agreed contraceptive plan, consistent contraceptive usage and satisfaction, psychological distress, and Short Interpregnancy Intervals \[SII\]) will suggest benefits of the intervention.
Description
This study addresses critical maternal health disparities by targeting SII, which are associated with adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. These risks are especially high in economically marginalized populations, particularly in the Southern U.S., where access to prenatal contraceptive education is limited. The "Planning Together" intervention is a culturally-responsive, couple-based approach that seeks to improve consistent, desired contraceptive use by addressing both social barriers (e.g., lack of partner involvement and poor communication) and structu…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Patient Inclusion Criteria: 1. \> 20 weeks pregnant, age 18+ 2. The pregnant person has an available romantic partner, and the couple was able to get pregnant on their own or will be able to after the delivery 3. separately, the pregnant person reports being in a sexually, psychologically and physically safe relationship 4. English-speaking Romantic Partner Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years of age and older 2. Cohabiting with the patient; in a romantic relationship with patient 3. Capable of getting the patient pregnant after delivery 4. Does not need to be the biological…
Interventions
- OtherJoint contraceptive and couple communication education
Joint Comprehensive Contraceptive Education a. Visual and written description of all currently available contraceptives with explanation of pros and cons Couple constructive communication education 1. Specific couple contraceptive conversation examples. 2. Interactive worksheet to help with joint desired contraceptive decision-making and making a consistent use plan
- OtherCouple communication consultation with Interventionist to increase partner engagement and improve communication
1. Couples will bring their completed workbook to reference during the meeting and assess fidelity 2. Reinforce couple contraceptive communication skills. Address any challenges couple has with skill implementation 3. Review desired contraceptive method \& consistent use plan 4. Use motivational interviewing techniques to help couple agree on contraceptive plan
- OtherCheck-ins to support continued partner support & communication
1. Review progress toward couple contraceptive communication skills and use of agreed contraceptive method 2. Assess factors promoting successful contraceptive use and communication skills 3. Address barriers to consistent contraceptive use and communication skill implementation via shared problem-solving
- OtherCheck-ins to support continued partner support & communication
Location
- University of Tennessee Graduate School of MedicineKnoxville, Tennessee