Abstract

This study examines the need for information on contraceptive methods and access to reproductive health care services among ethnic minority adolescents in Thai Nguyen province. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data from 305 adolescents aged 15–19 years. The findings indicate that adolescents’ contraceptive information needs focused more on the quality and effectiveness of methods than on their cost or where to obtain them. Female adolescents expressed substantially greater interest in contraception than male adolescents, suggesting that the gender stereotype that contraception is a woman’s responsibility persists. Although the use of local reproductive health care services was low, adolescents rated service quality highly. These positive assessments reflect the health sector’s efforts to meet the population’s health care needs.

Keywords: Adolescents, Ethnic minorities, Reproductive health, Reproductive health care needs, Thai Nguyen province.