“She is courageous because she does not care what people think about her…”: Attitudes Toward Adolescent Contraception Use among Rwandan Family Planning Providers and Experienced Adult Female Contraceptive Users
Authors: Schwandt Hilary , Boulware Angel , Corey Julia , Herrera Ana , Hudler Ethan , Imbabazi Claudette , King Ilia , Linus Jessica , Manzi Innocent , Merritt Madelyn , Mezier Lyn , Miller Abigail , Morris Haley , Musemakweli Dieudonne , Musekura Uwase , Mutuyimana Divine , Ntakarutimana Chimene , Patel Nirali , Scanteianu Adriana , Shemeza Biganette-Evidente , Sterling-Donaldson Gi’anna , Umutoni Chantal , Uwera Lyse , Zeiler Madeleine , Feinberg Seth 
Published: August 2022

Introduction: In Rwanda, only 20% of sexually active unmarried youth use contraception as compared to 64% of married women. Adolescence is an important time of growth and development that often includes the initiation of sexual activity. Sexually active adolescents need support in accessing contraceptive services to prevent negative health outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, the adolescent population represents a large share of the total population and that proportion is predicted to expand over time. Adolescent contraceptive needs have largely been unmet, and with growing numbers, there is increased potential for more negative health sequelae. Due to the low use of contraception by adolescents in Rwanda, and the growing population of adolescents, this study aims to explore the perspectives of family planning providers and adult contraceptive users on adolescent contraceptive use. Inclusion of adult community members in the study is a unique contribution, as research on adolescent contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa relies primarily on perspectives from adolescent and family planning providers.Methods: This qualitative study in 2018 utilized 32 in-depth interviews with experienced users of modern contraceptive methods and eight focus group discussions with family planning providers. Respondents were from Musanze and Nyamasheke Districts, the districts with the highest and lowest modern contraceptive use, respectively. Thematic content analysis was conducted in Atlas.ti. Results: Stigma regarding premarital sex results in barriers to adolescent access to contraceptive services. Family planning providers do provide services to adolescents; however, they often recommend secondary abstinence, offer a limited method selection, and accentuate risks associated with sexual activity and contraceptive use. Providers do support adolescent clients by emphasizing the need for privacy, confidentiality, and expedient services, particularly through youth corners, which are spaces within health facilities designed to meet youth needs specifically. Contraceptive using adult female community members advocate for youth access to contraception, however mothers are mixed in their comfort with discussing sexual health with their own youth. Conclusion: To destigmatize premarital sexual activity, government efforts to initiate communication about this topic must occur at national and community levels with the goal of continued conversation within the family. The government should also train family planning providers and all health personnel interacting with youth on adolescent-friendly health services. Dialogue between community members and family planning providers about adolescent access to contraceptive services could also reduce barriers for adolescents due to community members' generally supportive views on adolescent contraceptive use. Efforts to engage adolescent caregivers in how to talk with youth about sex could also contribute to expanded use.