July 2024
Assessing the contraceptive choices and decision-making processes of young women in rural and remote New South Wales
Harriet Sandison,1 Megan Passey,1,2 Larisa Barnes1,2
1University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
2Daffodil Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
Background and objectives
Unintended pregnancy disproportionately affects younger women and those living rurally, with inconsistent and ineffective contraceptive use contributing to the high rates. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is recommended as first-line treatment for all reproductively aged women; however, uptake remains low. This study explored contraceptive choices and decision making in young women in rural New South Wales (NSW).
Methods
Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with participants (aged 16–24 years) across rural NSW. Data were analysed thematically.
Results
Contraceptive choice is a multifactorial process, influenced by method familiarity, peer experience (including social media), non-contraceptive benefits and accessibility. Low LARC uptake was attributed to fear of procedures, potential side effects and the inconvenience of insertion/removal.
Discussion
Addressing individual concerns, improving contraceptive counselling and informed decision making will likely increase the use of consistent and reliable contraceptive methods in young women. Ongoing review of current contraception use in the context of an individual’s situation is necessary.