Narratives on Sex and Contraception From Pregnant Adolescent Women in a Northern Province in Thailand: A Phenomenological Study

Gaps in understanding, a lack of awareness of contraceptive use and a lack of control, related to gender dynamics, may influence the demand for contraception among adolescents and their decision-making around pregnancy prevention. This study explored the experiences of pregnant adolescents at the time of pregnancy and prior to becoming pregnant, examining attitudes toward sex and contraception. An interpretive phenomenological study guided by Heideggerian philosophy, analysed data from 30 in-depth interviews conducted with purposively selected consenting pregnant adolescents aged 15–19. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and were analysed using a modified interpretative phenomenological approach. Participants exposed 5 key findings or experiences associated with sex and contraception: ‘Premarital cohabitation and sex’, ‘Staying in the relationship’, ‘Unforeseen future’, ‘Parental conformity’, and ‘Male command’. These findings can have far-reaching implications for the holistic understanding of the needs of adolescents in Thailand. They can be used to inform the development of appropriate and responsive interventions to support female and male adolescents, their families, and society. This includes interventions around reproductive health rights and sex education from health care providers, educators providing counselling to facilitate adolescents’ decision-making in order to reduce unintended adolescent pregnancy.