A qualitative evaluation of home based contraceptive and sexual health care for teenage mothers

Hayter, Mark; Jones, Catriona; Owen, Jenny; Harrison, Christina

Abstract

This paper reports on the findings from a qualitative study exploring the experiences of teenage mothers using a nurse-led, home-based contraceptive service designed to prevent repeat unplanned pregnancies. The aim was to understand if, and how the service was effective in equipping teenage mothers to make informed choices about contraception, thus preventing a second pregnancy. Unplanned teenage pregnancy remains a significant focus of health and social policy in the United Kingdom (UK). Despite the long-term pattern of declining conception rates, the UK continues to report higher rates than comparable countries elsewhere in Europe. Current estimates suggest that approximately one fifth of births amongst under 18’s are repeat pregnancies (Teenage Pregnancy Independent Advisory Group, 2009). Services that are designed to reduce second unplanned pregnancies are an important element in promoting teenage sexual health. However, there has been no UK research that explores this kind of service and the experiences of service users. We conducted a qualitative interview study. From 2013–2014 we interviewed 40 teenage mothers who had engaged with the nurse-led, home-based contraceptive service. The data demonstrates that the service was effective in preventing repeat pregnancies in a number of cases. Among the aspects of the service which were found to contribute to its effectiveness were privacy, convenience, flexibility, appropriately timed access, the non-judgemental attitude of staff and ongoing support.

Citation

Hayter, M., Jones, C., Owen, J., & Harrison, C. (2016). A qualitative evaluation of home based contraceptive and sexual health care for teenage mothers. Primary health care research & development, 17(3), 287-297. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1463423615000432

• Acceptance Date: Mar 1, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Sep 28, 2015
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Deposit Date: Jan 18, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 18, 2017
• Journal: Primary health care research and development
• Print ISSN: 1463-4236
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-1128
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 287-297
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s1463423615000432
• Keywords: Childbearing, Contraception, Pregnancy, Sexual health, Teenagers
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/447246
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/primary-health-care-research-and-development/article/div-classtitlea-qualitative-evaluation-of-home-based-contraceptive-and-sexual-health-care-for-teenage-mothersdiv/27281739978B73A5AEFB653F8C0F31D8
• Additional Information: License: © Cambridge University Press 2015