Female Adolescents’ Experiences with Contraceptive Method Decision-Making, Access, and Continuation: Qualitative Research

Abstract

Objective: Because of early sexual activity that starts in adolescence, critical problems such as unwanted pregnancies arise. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of female adolescents in decision making, accessing, and maintaining contraception. Methods: The study was conducted as a case study with a phenomenological design and a qualitative approach. The study included adolescents who had contraception experience and were present in the gynecology clinic(s) of the hospital to receive any care service. Participants (n=22) was selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using the approach, content, and descriptive analysis. Results: Through the analysis of in-depth interview data with female adolescents examining their experiences related to contraceptive method use, four themes were identified: "reasons for using and deciding on pregnancy prevention methods, accessibility to pregnancy prevention methods, experiences during the use of pregnancy prevention methods, and continuity of pregnancy prevention method use." Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that female adolescents faced some difficulties in deciding on, accessing, and maintaining contraceptive methods. In this context, units such as youth centers where adolescents can apply can be established. Unwanted pregnancies can be prevented by regulations regarding the provision of counseling and contraceptive services to adolescents.