Factors influencing young women's contraceptive choices

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Australia's high rate of unintended pregnancy could be lowered by increasing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use. Influences on Australian women's choice of less effective methods are not well understood. This qualitative study explored factors that influence young women's contraceptive choices. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women aged 18-24 years until data saturation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Contraceptive choice was influenced by factors including contraceptive knowledge, side effects, cultural norms, fear, control and social context. Women often initiated contraceptive u..