Table 1

Description of the five forums investigated in more detail

OverviewMumsnetThe Student RoomWoman’s HealthSH:24Reddit
Forum size (posts)1000+1000+1000+1000+1000+
Methods discussed (n)Coil (IUD or IUS)=19
Pill(s)=17
Injection=3
Patch=0
EC=0
Implant=3
General=5
Ring=0
Condom=0
Sterilisation=2
Natural planning=3
Withdrawal=0		Coil (IUD or IUS)=0
Pill(s)=32
Injection=1
Patch=0
EC=4
Implant=5
General=6
Ring=0
Condom=2
Sterilisation=0
Natural planning=0
Withdrawal=0		Coil (IUD or IUS)=8
Pill(s)=22
Injection=2
Patch=0
EC=3
Implant=2
General=6
Ring=3
Condom=3
Sterilisation=1
Natural planning=0
Withdrawal=0		Coil (IUD or IUS)=11
Pill(s)=13
Injection=4
Patch=2
EC=4
Implant=4
General=2
Ring=1
Condom=3
Sterilisation=4
Natural planning=1
Withdrawal=1		Coil (IUD or IUS)=22
Pill(s)=17
Injection=2
Patch=1
EC=0
Implant=1
General=3
Ring=1
Condom=2
Sterilisation=0
Natural planning=0
Withdrawal=1
Average response rate (responses per question) (n)121481015
Moderator presenceNoNoYesYesNo
Expertise level of moderatorN/AN/ANon-expertExpertN/A
Estimated age group of users25+ years (mention of families)≤24 years (users in education)Older 30+ years users frequently referenced their children, their long-term relationshipsMixture of all agesMixture of all ages
Characteristics of the conversationsWelcoming, friendly, positive, open, supportiveVibrant, youthful, supportive, open, LGBT+ friendlyAppears to be a community in its own right with well-established norms and preferences.Inclusive, professional, highly personalVibrant, supportive, open, LGBT+ friendly, inclusive Evidence of a mix of religious and cultural expectations

  • EC, emergency contraception; IUD, intrauterine device; IUS, intrauterine system; LGBT+, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and plus; N/A, not available.