Discourses on the postcoital pill in young women.

Abstract

[eng] Background: Emergency contraception (EC) is an effective postcoital contraceptive method for reducing the risk ofunwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. The estimated effectiveness of EC is between 70 and 89% iftaken within 72 h following intercourse. Most of the studies carried out in Spain are quantitative and from theperspective of health professionals. In this study, we intend to explore the knowledge of, attitudes towards anddiscourse regarding the use of EC in women aged 15 to 25 years.Methods:Sample: A qualitative study including in-depth interviews with 19 women between 15 and 25 years ofage was performed. Inclusion criteria: Participants were natives of Spain or of a Latin American country.Segmentation criteria: Participants had experience in the use of EC.Data collection:Participants were selected by health care informants and by the snowball technique amonguniversity students.Data analysis: A thematic analysis was performed. Preliminary analyses were made during the course of the fieldwork to adapt the script and to assess data saturation. A preliminary code tree was developed by two researchers,and the coding of the text was done with the Atlas.ti 5.0 software.Results:EC is perceived positively by women. They do not express issues with taking it, although some feel guilty.The reason for taking EC is to avoid unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Women also feel that EC should be used inmoderation. False beliefs and misconceptions regarding EC are held: EC delivers an excess of hormones, inducesabortion and causes severe side effects. Women mention that the health professionals who provide EC have moralbeliefs. Women use it because of condom breakage associated with their first coital relations.Conclusions:The results of this study have public health implications: The sexual-affective health education receivedby young people should incorporate clear information about the mechanism of action of the EC pill and its side effectstogether with empowerment strategies addressing guilt and moralistic messages. Programmes and training activitiesfor health professionals must be designed to prevent the communication of inappropriate messages such as thosethat exaggerate the side effects of EC and those that promote fear and guilt, because they represent a barrier to theresponsible use of this medication.Keywords:Contraception, Postcoital, Qualitative research, Interviews as a theme, Sex education