reproduktiivtervist

Reproduktiivtervist is a qualitative research interview method used to obtain in-depth information about people’s experiences, attitudes, and decisions related to reproduction and reproductive health. In Estonian scholarly usage, the term denotes a semi-structured interview approach tailored to exploring the reproductive life course, including family planning, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, infertility, and abortion.

Interviews are typically conducted with adults or specific populations, using an interview guide that allows for both predetermined topics and open-ended responses. The method emphasizes participant context, meaning, and narrative, and data are usually audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with thematic or interpretive approaches.

Reproduktiivtervist is applied in fields such as sociology, demography, public health, and health policy to examine fertility intentions, access to services, cultural norms, and the social determinants of reproductive behavior. It complements quantitative data by providing nuanced insight into decision-making processes and personal experiences.

Ethical considerations include informed consent, confidentiality, and sensitivity to personal or traumatic topics (for example, abortion, pregnancy loss, or infertility). Researchers must obtain ethical approval, ensure voluntary participation, and implement data protection measures. Limitations include self-report bias, recall bias, and limited generalizability; the approach also requires skilled interviewing and careful reflexivity to avoid misinterpretation.

See also: semi-structured interview, life history interview, reproductive health, fertility research.