'For my own safety and peace of mind': views on contraception among young emergency contraception users: a qualitative study in Swedish pharmacies.

INTRODUCTION

Despite well-established contraceptive care services in Sweden, there remains an unmet need for contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills are provided over the counter in pharmacies without subsequent contraceptive counselling. Use is widespread, yet research on Swedish emergency contraceptive users is limited. Understanding their experiences is important for tailoring contraceptive care to their needs.

OBJECTIVE

To explore young emergency contraceptive pill users' experiences and perceptions on contraceptive decision-making and contraceptive use.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We performed a qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach on semi-structured interviews in 10 participants between 17 and 26 years old, who purchased emergency contraceptive pills in community pharmacies in Stockholm, Sweden.

RESULTS

The theme 'Navigating reproductive autonomy through perceptions, information and norms' was identified, supported by three categories: i) Emergency contraception at pharmacies facilitates reproductive autonomy, where participants shared their appreciation of easy access, ii) Internal perceptions and external information sources affect contraceptive use, considering factors such as one's personal situation and social media, and iii) Perceived social norms and their role in contraceptive experiences, where influences from social context and perceived stigma were mentioned.

CONCLUSION

To support informed decision-making and reproductive autonomy, providers need to ensure easy access to contraception, while sustaining non-judgemental environments and actively countering myths and misconceptions with accurate, evidence-based information both offline and online.

LAY SUMMARY: This is a qualitative study of 10 interviews with participants aged 17-26 years, who purchased emergency contraceptive pills in community pharmacies in Stockholm, Sweden. We explored experiences and perceptions of these young women on contraceptive decision-making and contraceptive use. Our findings show that community pharmacies play a role in facilitating reproductive autonomy and providing emergency contraceptive pills with minimal barriers to access. Contraceptive decision-making is shaped by internal perceptions, external information sources and different perspectives through friends, family and societal norms. Young women's views on contraception emphasise the wish for a personal approach suitable to their bodies and situational needs. They are navigating new information channels, in which social media plays a prominent role. Healthcare providers can play a role in creating a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment, offline and online.