Teens Reflect on Their Sources of Contraceptive Information
Based on semi-structured interviews with a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 58 U.S. high school students, this study examines teens’ exposure to contraceptive information from a range of sources and the extent to which they trust this information. Based on semi-structured interviews with a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 58 U.S. high school students, this study examines teens’ exposure to contraceptive information from a range of sources and the extent to which they trust this information. Teens reported exposure to contraceptive information from many individuals and places, most commonly school, family and friends. Few teens relied on the internet for contraceptive information, and most were wary of this source. We identified two themes that characterized teens’ discussions: Wariness about hormonal methods and the compatibility of contraception and abstinence messages. The findings suggest ways that schools, a common and trusted source of sexual health information for teens, could better improve students’ access to accurate contraceptive information.