title: A qualitative evaluation of home-based contraceptive and sexual health care for teenage mothers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper reports on the findings from a qualitative study exploring the experiences of teenage mothers using a nurse-led, home-based contraceptive service designed to prevent repeat unplanned pregnancies. The aim was to understand if, and how the service was effective in equipping teenage mothers to make informed choices about contraception, thus preventing a second pregnancy.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Unplanned teenage pregnancy remains a significant focus of health and social policy in the United Kingdom (UK). Despite the long-term pattern of declining conception rates, the UK continues to report higher rates than comparable countries elsewhere in Europe. Current estimates suggest that approximately one fifth of births amongst under 18's are repeat pregnancies (Teenage Pregnancy Independent Advisory Group, 2009). Services that are designed to reduce second unplanned pregnancies are an important element in promoting teenage sexual health. However, there has been no UK research that explores this kind of service and the experiences of service users.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a qualitative interview study. From 2013-2014 we interviewed 40 teenage mothers who had engaged with the nurse-led, home-based contraceptive service.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data demonstrates that the service was effective in preventing repeat pregnancies in a number of cases. Among the aspects of the service which were found to contribute to its effectiveness were privacy, convenience, flexibility, appropriately timed access, the non-judgemental attitude of staff and ongoing support.
authors.affiliation: 1Professor of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Health and Social Care,University of Hull,Hull,UK.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hayter
authors.affiliation: 2Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Health and Social Care,University of Hull,Hull,UK.
authors.forename: Catriona
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: 3Honorary Senior Lecturer in Social Science and Health,ScHARR,University of Sheffield,UK.
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Owen
authors.affiliation: 4Assistant Director for Children, Young People & Families,Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust,UK.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Harrison
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003270:Contraceptive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D060728:Reproductive Health / Q000193:education*; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003270:Contraceptive Agents
keywords: childbearing; contraception; pregnancy; sexual health; teenagers