Do young women have specific problems in contraceptive use and counselling?

Objectives: To find out if young women have specific problems with the use of contraception or contraceptive services.

Study Design: A national postal survey was conducted, RR 74%. Women aged 18-34 years (with experience of contraceptive use) were included in this report (n=1239).

Results: Weekly need for contraception was highest in the age group 18-24 years (61%), oral contraception being the most widely used method regardless of parity. Condoms were used by 35-37% in all age groups, either alone or combined with oral contraceptives (17% of young nulliparas). Women aged 18-24 years had mainly used public or subsidized services (79%). Of quality characteristics, only satisfaction with the kindness of the service provider varied significantly by age. The cost of contraception was highest in the youngest age group.

Conclusions: The study did not point at any serious problems in family planning among young women, but it did produce several clues for the development of family planning services in general.