UCSF

Study objective

We applied a patient-centered care (PCC) framework to explore incarcerated girls' experiences of and preferences for family planning (FP) care.

Design

We conducted qualitative semistructured interviews with incarcerated girls to explore domains of PCC: access to care, patient preferences, information and education, emotional support, family and friends, physical comfort, coordination of care, and continuity and transition.

Setting

A juvenile detention center (JDC) in an urban California county.

Participants

Girls incarcerated during the study period.

Interventions and main outcome measures

Transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis to identify themes related to PCC and additional overarching themes.

Results

Twenty-two participants completed interviews. Overarching themes of stigma and autonomy emerged as influential in girls' experiences and preferences for FP care. Participants described stigma related to incarceration, sexual activity, and lack of contraception use. Participants' desire for autonomy contributed to concerns around FP care. Despite this, most desired access to FP care while incarcerated. Many valued relationships they had with JDC providers, reporting more trust and familiarity with JDC providers than those in the community. Constraints of incarceration decreased availability of emotional supports and decreased involvement of family in health-related decision-making, which worsened girls' experiences with FP care and enhanced their sense of autonomy. Difficulties with care coordination and transitions between the JDC and community often resulted in fragmented care.

Conclusion

Providing patient-centered FP care in JDCs is desirable but complex, and requires prioritizing patient preferences while recognizing the strengths and limitations of providing FP care within JDCs.