Health care providers’ perceptions of family planning and contraception education for adolescents in Kampala, Uganda – A qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectivesUnsafe abortions are a reproductive health problem in low-income countries, but can be prevented by decreasing unintended pregnancies. The objective was to describe health care providers’ (HCPs) perceptions of family planning and contraception education for adolescents in Kampala, Uganda. Study designA qualitative study with a semi-structured interview guide was used for individual face-to-face interviews. Eight participants from two different Non-governmental organisations were interviewed. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. ResultsData analysis resulted in three main categories of HCP perceptions: counseling, education and availability; peer-educators and community leaders; and stigma, inequality and myths. The providers emphasized the importance to discuss and eradicate the myths and misconceptions among adolescents regarding family planning methods by giving information, preferably at early ages. Peer-educators and community leaders were the most successful methods for accessing and involving the community. Approaches mentioned for reaching out to adolescents included involving parents, using social media, and offering education in schools. Furthermore, the providers highlighted to involve the males in family planning. ConclusionsHealth care providers emphasized the importance to discuss and eradicate the myths and misconceptions among adolescents regarding different family planning methods by education in school and information in sexual and reproductive health.