Teenagers' struggles with contraceptive use - what improvements can be made?

To study the experiences of teenagers using contraceptives at an out-patient abortion clinic and to explore the reasons behind their choices.

Twelve teenagers who had applied for induced abortion were interviewed three to four weeks after abortion. The interviews comprised open questions about contraceptive experiences focusing on hindrance for contraceptive use. Qualitative content analysis was used.

One theme was identified: Struggling with feelings of uncertainty and patterns of behaviour. Three categories emerged from the analysis. Uncertainty dealt with decisions and behaviours that varied with time and between the different individuals. Factors that influence contraceptive use dealt with the persons that the participants had discussed contraceptives with, how they acquired knowledge about contraceptive use and the nature of their behaviour. Anxiety dealt with the side effects of contraception and feelings of fear related to contraceptive use.

The participants had feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and fear towards contraceptive use which led to non use and inconsistent use. Guidance from health care providers and access to youth clinics varied and was unsatisfactory. Parents were supportive of contraceptive use but not active in the process of getting their child to initiate it. Friends and the Internet were the main sources for acquiring information.