Contraceptive use among young women in Estonia: Association with contraceptive services.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to explore the association between the use of effective contraceptive methods and access to different contraceptive services, as well as to describe accessibility-related obstacles when using contraceptive services and satisfaction with those services.

METHODS

From a population-based cross-sectional study carried out in 2004 (response rate 53.8%), the data of 16- to 24-year-old women requiring contraception (N = 868) were analysed. Factors associated with the use of effective contraceptive methods and, specifically, hormonal methods, were explored using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Effective contraception was used by 75.1% of the respondents. The use of effective contraceptive methods was associated with school-based sexuality education (adjusted prevalence odds ratio 2.69; 95% confidence interval 1.32 - 5.50), visiting a youth-friendly clinic (YFC) (1.82; 1.03-3.23) or a private gynaecologist (2.08; 1.11-3.92). The use of hormonal methods was additionally associated with being a native Estonian speaker and visiting a family doctor. More than half of the respondents reported some obstacle in accessing contraceptive services. The highest satisfaction ratings were given to YFCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Steps to promote the use of services that are youth-friendly and associated with better uptake of effective contraceptive methods are needed among all 16- to 24-year-old women.