Contraception decision making by Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Australian youth: an exploratory study

Abstract

Context: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) youth may become early parents, with some aspiring to parenthood. Yet, the factors that influence CALD youths' contraceptive decision-making are less well known, although important for designing appropriate contraception use support programs for this population. This study aimed to explore the contraception decision-making patterns of CALD Australian youth, in addition to investigating the factors that influence their use of contraception services.

Methods: We conducted focus groups with 27 CALD youth (ages 16-24) to explore their 1) contraception use decision-making, 2) information sources, and 3) priority services. For the data synthesis, we utilized thematic analysis to characterize the CALD youth contraception use orientation.

Results: Three themes emerged from the data: 1) the prevalent use of fail-safe contraception methods to minimize personal anxiety, 2) the reliance on online rather than in-person information sources, and 3) the importance to minimize risk for social stigma from the use of contraception.

Conclusions: CALD Australian youth reported being competent in self-managing their contraception use decisions. Contraception decision support for CALD youth should address their anxieties about the risk of contraception failure and concerns regarding social stigmas.