Attitudes towards contraception: focus groups with Arkansas teenagers and parents

Despite a national decline in teenage pregnancy rates, Arkansas continues to have one of the highest rates in the USA. More teenagers in the state reported not using any method of contraception (20%) compared to the USA (13.8%). National-level research suggests that misinformation and lack of awareness about contraception is prevalent. This study examines awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards contraception among Arkansas teenagers and parents. Between July-November 2018, twelve focus groups - 6 with teenagers (n = 40) and 6 with parents (n = 28) - were conducted around the state. Parent participants were uncertain about their teenagers' access to and knowledge of contraception, had many concerns about their teenagers using contraception and spoke about teaching their kids about contraception in a future sense ('would' and 'should'). Although parents preferred abstinence for their teenagers, they preferred contraception use to teenage pregnancy. Teenage participants had limited knowledge/awareness of methods of contraception beyond condoms and birth control pills. They saw contraception as ineffective, were concerned about side effects and experienced difficulty accessing contraception. This study provides insight into current knowledge and attitudes towards contraception among teenagers and parents in Arkansas, as well as recommendations for designing educational campaigns centred around awareness, empowerment and inclusion.