Objectives: Our study aimed to explore the association between the use of effective contraceptive methods and access to different contraceptive services, as well as to describe accessibility-related obstacles when using contraceptive services and satisfaction with those services.
Methods: From a population-based cross-sectional study carried out in 2004 (response rate 53.8%), the data of 16- to 24-year-old women requiring contraception (N = 868) were analysed. Factors associated with the use of effective contraceptive methods and, specifically, hormonal methods, were explored using multiple logistic regression analysis.
Results: Effective contraception was used by 75.1% of the respondents. The use of effective contraceptive methods was associated with school-based sexuality education (adjusted prevalence odds ratio 2.69; 95% confidence interval 1.32 - 5.50), visiting a youth-friendly clinic (YFC) (1.82; 1.03-3.23) or a private gynaecologist (2.08; 1.11-3.92). The use of hormonal methods was additionally associated with being a native Estonian speaker and visiting a family doctor. More than half of the respondents reported some obstacle in accessing contraceptive services. The highest satisfaction ratings were given to YFCs.
Conclusions: Steps to promote the use of services that are youth-friendly and associated with better uptake of effective contraceptive methods are needed among all 16- to 24-year-old women.
Keywords: Contraceptive services; Contraceptive use; Youth-friendly health services.