Valued but not used: a qualitative study on the perception of contraception among Eastern European Roma women commuting to Oslo, Norway

OBJECTIVES: Research from European countries shows that Roma women have less knowledge of and use less modern contraception than their majority counterparts. Roma women commuting to Oslo undergo more induced abortions than the general population in Norway. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of how Eastern European Roma women commuting to Norway perceive contraception. METHOD: The study used a qualitative approach. Seven semi-structured interviews and one focus group discussion with five participants were conducted over two months, using a Romanian translator. In total, 12 women participated in the study. Participants were asked about their knowledge, experience with and thoughts on contraception. The interviews were analysed through the reflexive thematic analysis by Braun and Clark. RESULTS: The results were divided into the following themes, 1. Navigating fertility: Perceived relevance of modern contraception, describing thoughts on motherhood and contraception, 2. Evolving access to knowledge and information about contraception, 3. Adapting to available options, exploring the use of traditional contraception and abortions, and finally 4. Informal Female Networks: Exchange of information and myths about contraception. CONCLUSION: For many of the Eastern European Roma women interviewed, contraception was seen as something positive but not relevant. The study highlights the importance of considering the sense of relevance and intersectional experience in further research and initiatives to promote the use of contraception.