Subject(s)
Adolescent Health , Confidentiality , Adolescent , Humans , Parents , Parental Consent , Parental NotificationABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Texas is one of 24 states that restricts minors' ability to obtain contraception without parental consent, unless they access confidential services at federally funded Title X clinics. This study explores Texas minors' reasons for and experiences seeking confidential contraception. METHODS: Between September 2020 and June 2021, we conducted in-depth phone interviews with 28 minors aged 15-17 years. Participants were recruited via the text line and Instagram account of an organization that helps young people navigate Texas' parental consent laws. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using inductive and deductive codes in our thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants wanted to be proactive about preventing pregnancy by using more effective contraceptive methods but faced resistance from adults when they initiated conversations about sex and contraception or tried to obtain consent. In the absence of adult support, they turned to online and social media resources for information about types of contraception but encountered challenges finding accurate information about where to obtain methods in Texas without a parent. Only 10 participants were able to attend an appointment for contraception. Parents' increased monitoring of minors' activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with transportation and appointment-scheduling barriers, made it difficult for minors to attend in-person visits, particularly if clinics were farther away. DISCUSSION: Minors in Texas faced a range of barriers to finding accurate information and obtaining confidential contraceptive services, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding options for accessible confidential contraception, along with repealing parental consent laws, would better support minors' reproductive autonomy.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Minors , Pregnancy , Female , Adult , Humans , Adolescent , Texas , Pandemics , Contraception , Parental ConsentSubject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , Informed Consent By Minors/legislation & jurisprudence , Parental Consent/legislation & jurisprudence , Vaccination/legislation & jurisprudence , Adolescent , COVID-19/prevention & control , Child , Decision Making , Humans , Parents , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , United StatesSubject(s)
COVID-19 , Minors , Humans , Informed Consent , Parental Consent , SARS-CoV-2 , VaccinationSubject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19/prevention & control , Minors/psychology , Parental Consent , Adolescent , Age Factors , Child , Humans , Mental Competency , Personal Autonomy , United StatesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: With the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is well underway now beginning in children ages 12 and over, it is unknown what percent of parents plan to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. METHOD: The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine parents' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in administering a COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: Only 21.93% of the subjects reported overall VH. Half of parents (49.45%) say they want the COVID vaccine for their child, and 44.17% plan to vaccinate against COVID once the vaccine becomes available to them. Concern for vaccine side effects (61.5%) and vaccine safety (48.96%) were significant factors that increased VH. In addition, there was a significant correlation between parents who were planning to vaccinate their child against the flu and being less VH about a COVID-19 vaccine for their child. DISCUSSION: This is the first known study to describe parental perceptions' of COVID-19 VH and identify factors that increase VH for parents.