Aligning Contraceptive Care with the Needs of Adolescents
Summary
Abstract
Background
In the past five years, adolescent contraceptive behaviour in the Netherlands has shifted: hormonal contraception use has declined, abortion rates have risen, and social media has become a major source of contraceptive information. These trends raise concerns about the adequacy of current contraceptive care. Guidelines emphasize the importance of care tailored to individual needs and preferences. This study explores how healthcare professionals can effectively align with the contraceptive care needs of adolescents under the age of 20.
Methods
This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals involved in adolescent contraceptive care in the Netherlands. Participants were purposively selected to ensure diversity in roles and settings. Interview data were transcribed and thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step approach.
Results
Thematic analysis of interviews with thirteen healthcare professionals shows that adolescents’ contraceptive choices are influenced by professional preferences, cultural background, social media, and parental involvement. Healthcare professionals reported challenges in reaching vulnerable adolescents, misinformation from social media, fragmented referral pathways, and limited engaging resources. Identified needs included enhanced communication skills and improved access to engaging and reliable contraceptive information through online platforms.
Discussion
The findings of this study underscore the importance of individualized and culturally sensitive counselling that considers adolescents’ diverse needs. Awareness of personal biases, addressing misinformation from social media, and encouraging positive parental involvement can enhance the effectiveness of counselling. Systemic and social improvements, including coordinated referral pathways and integration of healthcare professionals into reliable online platforms, may further support informed contraceptive care choices.