Understanding women from ethnic minorities’ perspectives about contraception in the UK: a qualitative study using a participatory action research approach with community research link workers

Background

Contraception has revolutionised women’s health, enabling planned pregnancies and improved outcomes for mothers and babies. However, disparities exist in rates of unintended pregnancies and contraceptive uptake among ethnic groups. The reasons for this are poorly understood.

Objective

To understand women from ethnic minorities’ perspectives about contraception.

Methods

Our qualitative study used a participatory action research approach, utilising community research link workers. Public engagement was embedded in the study’s conception. We used focus groups and interviews to elicit perspectives, then analysed the data using thematic analysis. The study participants were women who self-identified as being from an ethnic minority group in Sheffield, UK.

Results

Thirty-six women participated in four focus groups and five interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) The role of contraception in a woman’s life, (2) External influencers, (3) Cultural and religious considerations and (4) Everyone is different (individuality). Contraceptive needs should be considered holistically, rather than with a siloed, targeted approach. ‘External influencers’, such as partners, family and communities, determine how contraception is accessed and experienced. ‘Cultural considerations’, such as personal, sociocultural and religious factors specific to women from ethnic minorities, influence contraceptive choice.

Conclusions

This study provides a transcultural perspective of the issues at play when a woman from an ethnic minority makes a decision about contraception. Practitioners and health providers must be culturally competent and tailor consultations and services to the individual.