Contraception-Related Posts from Adolescents, Young Adults, and Caregivers on Reddit: A Qualitative Content Analysis

To summarize contraceptive information shared and sought by adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and caregivers on Reddit.

Posts were collected from 8 subreddits (June 2022 to September 2024) using contraception-related keywords. Eligible posts were in English and authored by self-identifying AYAs (<26 years) or caregivers; comments from 10% of posts were included. We used hybrid inductive-deductive qualitative content analysis to characterize each post's primary purpose and to summarize common methods, side effects, medical and access questions, confusion/misconceptions, and sentiments.

Of 607 posts, 297 met inclusion. Over half were authored by teens (<20 years, 59%), followed by young adults (32%) and caregivers (10%). The pill (47%) and intrauterine devices (25%) were most discussed. Common side effects included menstrual changes (36%) and mood/mental health (29%). Teens (n = 174) frequently discussed condoms (23%) and emergency contraception (12%). Teens and young adults (n = 268) shared sex/contraception education (13%) and opinions on contraceptive rights/behaviors (12%). They sought medical/behavioral advice (38%), contraceptive knowledge (15%), pregnancy scare advice (11%), and communication/access advice (9%). Caregivers (n = 29) sought method recommendations (38%), shared moral/ethical concerns (35%), and sought knowledge (17%) or communication advice (10%). Overall (N = 297), 15% contained misconceptions and 16% featured antihormonal sentiment. Few expressed positive emotions (10%) or trust (10%), while many conveyed negative emotions (60%) or mistrust (28%).

Reddit posts about contraception from AYAs and caregivers cover diverse topics, are often negative, and sometimes feature misconceptions that may influence decision-making. Clinicians should address online contraceptive information during counseling to better respond to patient concerns.