Self-administration of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) can improve contraceptive access and continuation and is a practicable option for women and adolescents, a recent study found. 401 females aged 16 to 44 years and requesting DMPA at clinics in Texas and New Jersey were randomized 1:1 to self-administration or clinic administration. Those randomized to self-administration were taught to self-inject and received instructions, a sharps container, and 3 doses for home use. Follow-up surveys were conducted at 6 and 12 months. Researchers found:

• 336 (84%) participants completed with 12-month survey; 316 (80%) completed both follow-up surveys.
• 1-year DMPA continuous use was 69% in the self-administration group vs 54% in the clinic group.
• 97% of women in the self-administration group reported that self-administration was very or somewhat easy and 87% would recommend it to a friend.
• 52% of women in the clinic group reported interest in self-administration in the future.
• No serious adverse events were reported.