Abstract
BackgroundThe use of modern contraceptive methods among adolescents and youth is a public health priority to prevent unwanted pregnancies. To our knowledge, no study has ever explored and documented the promoting factors for contraceptive use among urban adolescents and youth in Guinea. The objective of this study was to explore the personal, community, and health system factors that promote the use of contraceptive methods among urban adolescents and youth in Guinea. MethodsWe conducted a qualitative exploratory and descriptive study with adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 living in Conakry, Guinea. Data were collected through twenty-six individual in-depth interviews, and 10 group interviews with an additional eighty individuals, for a total of 106 participants. The investigation was conducted from June to October 2019. Both individual and group interviews were audio-recorded, and the verbatims were afterwards transcribed. Data was analyzed using the “thematic analysis” method (deductive and inductive approaches).ResultsThe personal factors favoring contraceptive use among adolescents and youth pertained to perceived benefits of the methods, knowledge of the family planning service channels, means to afford the cost of the method, and spouse/sexual partner approval. The community factors included peer suggestions about contraceptive methods, and socio-cultural beliefs about the method. The health system factors referred to access to free contraceptive methods, availability of methods, clinical competence and attitude of the health care provider to advise or administer methods, and proximity of family planning services to users’ place of residence. ConclusionsThis research shows that many adolescents and youth living in Conakry are sexually active and want to avoid unwanted pregnancy by using modern, traditional or cultural contraceptive methods. Access to free or affordable methods, discretion of method use, proximity and availability of methods, and suggestions of methods by peers are factors that motivate adolescents and youth to use contraception. This knowledge can inform policies and programs to improve the use of effective contraceptive methods by adolescents and youth living in Conakry, Guinea, and ultimately contribute to the optimal sexual and reproductive health of this population.