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Contraceptive knowledge and expectations by adolescents: an explanation by focus groups
L Peremans1, I Hermann, D Avonts
1Department of General Practice, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
Patient Education and Counseling
|April 20, 2000
Summary
Adolescent girls need better education on contraceptive use and side effects. They prefer accessible general practitioners for contraception, valuing confidentiality and sufficient consultation time.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Reproductive Health
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Adolescent girls have unique needs and expectations regarding contraceptive use.
- Understanding their attitudes towards healthcare providers is crucial for effective reproductive health services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the needs and expectations of 17-year-old girls regarding contraceptive use.
- To assess adolescent girls' attitudes towards healthcare providers in the context of contraception.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research utilizing four focus groups with 26 adolescent girls.
- Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis.
Main Results:
- Insufficient knowledge regarding daily contraceptive use and side effects was observed.
- General practitioners are the preferred providers for initial pill prescriptions, but gynecologists are expected for examinations.
- Key barriers to accessing contraceptives include cost, waiting times, and fear of gynecological exams.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent girls desire accessible family practices with easily accessible general practitioners for contraception.
- Healthcare providers must offer confidentiality and adequate consultation time to meet adolescent needs.
- Improving contraceptive compliance among adolescents presents a challenge for general practitioners.