Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Why don't teenagers use contraception? A qualitative interview study

Brown, S.; Guthrie, K.

Why don't teenagers use contraception? A qualitative interview study Thumbnail


Authors

S. Brown

K. Guthrie



Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the causes of unintended pregnancies and, in particular, reasons for non-use of contraception among young women attending a day unit for surgical abortion. Methods: Women between the ages of 16 and 20 attending a day unit at a hospital in the north of England who were due to have, or had recently had, a surgical abortion were interviewed about their knowledge of and views on contraception, sex education, and sexual health services. Twenty-four young women were interviewed, 22 on the day unit, one in her home and one over the phone, after the abortion. Interviews were recorded with the consent of the interviewees and fully transcribed. Transcripts were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Results: The most common reasons for non-use of contraception related to forgetting or ‘not thinking’, being ‘in the moment’ (i.e., being ‘in the mood’, not wishing to ‘break a spell’), the influence of alcohol, and pressure from young men not to use condoms. Lack of knowledge was rarely cited as a reason. Conclusions Young people are aware of the need to use contraception, and knowledgeable about its availability; however, they often do not think about using it, especially where sex is unplanned. Alcohol and being ‘in the moment’ are key factors which diminish the likelihood of contraceptive use.

Citation

Brown, S., & Guthrie, K. (2010). Why don't teenagers use contraception? A qualitative interview study. European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care, 15(3), 197-204. https://doi.org/10.3109/13625181003763456

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jun 1, 2010
Deposit Date May 17, 2010
Publicly Available Date Aug 9, 2011
Journal European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care
Print ISSN 1362-5187
Electronic ISSN 1473-0782
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 15
Issue 3
Pages 197-204
DOI https://doi.org/10.3109/13625181003763456
Keywords Contraception, Teenagers, Pregnancy, Abortion, Qualitative.

Files

Accepted Journal Article (299 Kb)
PDF

Copyright Statement
This is an electronic version of an article published in Brown, S. and Guthrie, K. (2010) 'Why don't teenagers use contraception ? a qualitative interview study.', European journal of contraception and reproductive health care., 15 (3). pp. 197-204. European journal of contraception and reproductive health care is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/13625181003763456



You might also like



Downloadable Citations