A qualitative analysis of adolescents' opinions of proactive long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) provision

AIM: In New Zealand, there are sexually active adolescents who are using poor or no methods of contraception, and who do not intend to become pregnant. The most effective methods of contraception suitable to this population are long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods. A proactive LARC provision (PLP) programme has been proposed, and this study investigates whether such a model would be acceptable to adolescents. This study aims to determine how adolescents feel about a PLP programme. METHODS: We conducted four focus groups (FGs) of female adolescents at three high schools and one university residential college, with 32 participants in total. The data from these were analysed for themes using a general inductive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: When asked how they felt about a PLP programme, the adolescents found the concept acceptable. This study identified misconceptions and myths around contraception in the adolescent population. The five identified themes were reproductive health fear, sex and body shame, adolescents' requirements for sexual health provision, barriers to contraception and sexual health knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents consider a PLP programme to be acceptable. More research is needed about the acceptability of an adolescent PLP programme in other groups, and the feasibility of such a programme.