title: Italian Adolescents and Emergency Contraception: A Focus Group Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Using a qualitative method, the purpose of this study was to: (1) obtain information directly from the adolescents on their attitudes and knowledge regarding emergency contraception; and (2) investigate the presence of differences between male and female participants' attitudes and knowledge.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study consisted of 24 single-sex focus groups with 160 adolescents (male = 46.3% (74 of 160); female = 53.7% (86 of 160)) aged 15-19 years conducted among high schools in 3 regions of Italy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data were analyzed through thematic analysis taking into account gender differences and 2 main themes emerged. The first was labeled "Adolescents' attitudes toward emergency contraception" and it was divided into 3 subthemes: You should be aware; It's a life line; and Everything but a child. The second theme was labeled "Adolescents' knowledge toward emergency contraception" and it was divided into 3 subthemes: False myths; Baseline information; and Just take it.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Italian adolescents believed it is important to prevent the risk of unprotected sex by using contraceptive methods and their motivation to use emergency contraception is related to critical attitudes toward the consequences of irresponsible/ineffective contraception. Although adolescents have an awareness of emergency contraception, more comprehensive knowledge is needed. These findings can inform specific interventions aimed at educating adolescents in need of emergency contraception.
authors: Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano, CRIdee, Milano, Italy. Electronic address: mariagiulia.olivari@unicatt.it.
authors: Maria Giulia
authors: MG
authors: Olivari
authors: Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano, CRIdee, Milano, Italy.
authors: Gaia
authors: G
authors: Cuccì
authors: Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano, CRIdee, Milano, Italy.
authors: Emanuela
authors: E
authors: Confalonieri
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescents; Emergency contraception; Focus group; Thematic analysis