Predicting regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 in women under 25 years.

BACKGROUND: A number of retrospective and prospective studies have documented substantial rates of regression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 lesions in young women. Initial observational management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 is increasingly accepted as appropriate for women under 25 years of age with screen-detected abnormalities and is included in a number of clinical guidelines. However, there has been a paucity of large prospective studies on observational management with strict inclusion criteria. A number of important questions remain, specifically regarding the clinical variables that are associated with the risk of progression or persistence of disease. To investigate these factors and to ensure that young women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 undergoing observational management were being managed in a well-monitored and an appropriately informed fashion, we conducted a large, multicenter prospective study on observational management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 in women under 25 years. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the regression rates and clinical, cytologic, and pathologic predictors of regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 in women under 25 years undergoing observational management over 24 months. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a multicenter prospective study on observational management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (ie, repeat colposcopy, cytology, and cervical biopsy every 6 months) for up to 24 months. A total of 615 consenting women under 25 years with newly-diagnosed, biopsy-proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 were recruited (from 2010 to 2016) through 16 hospital-based colposcopy units in New Zealand and Australia. RESULTS: At completion, 326 women had confirmed regression, 156 had persistent high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 or adenocarcinoma in situ, and 24 had unconfirmed regression (ie, first regression at the 24-month follow-up). A total of 109 women did not complete the protocol (41 because of delayed follow-up, 41 lost to follow-up, 22 elected treatment, 4 refused a biopsy, and 1 died of an unrelated cause). Confirmed regression was observed in 53% (326 of 615) of all women enrolled in the study and, when missing data were imputed, it was estimated that 64% of women (95% confidence interval, 60%-68%) would have experienced regression. Similarly, lesions regressed in 64% (326 of 506) of women who completed the observational protocol. Based on a multivariable analysis, detection of human papillomavirus 16 in a liquid-based cytology sample at the time of initial colposcopy decreased the chance of regression by 31% (risk ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.86; P<.001). In addition, at initial colposcopy, low-grade or normal colposcopic impression, later year of diagnosis, low-grade or normal cytology, and being a nonsmoker were all independently associated with an increased chance of regression. CONCLUSION: More than half of women under 25 years with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 will regress to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or normal within 24 months without destructive treatment. The absence of human papillomavirus 16 is the most important predictor of regression.

Evaluation of guidelines for observational management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 in young women.

BACKGROUND: A high rate of regression in young women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 has been recorded. However, there are few prospective data by which to evaluate management guidelines. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology recommendations for follow-up of young women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 using data created by a large prospective multicenter study of observational management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were 616 women under 25 years with biopsy-diagnosed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 following a referral to colposcopy for an abnormal smear with no previous high-grade abnormality. The protocol included colposcopy, cytology, and colposcopically directed biopsy at the initial visit and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups visits, and these data were analyzed. Histology from the corresponding cervical biopsy was treated as the reference diagnostic test. For young women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2, we aimed to determine the following: (1) the ability of colposcopy to identify women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or worse at 6 months; and (2) the ability of colposcopy, cytology, and a combination of cytology and colposcopy to identify residual high-grade abnormalities at 12 months. In addition, although not specified in the guidelines, we investigated the ability of high-risk human papillomavirus positivity alone or with cytology as a co-test to identify residual high-grade abnormalities at 12 months. RESULTS: At 6 months, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3+ colposcopic appearance identified only 28% (95% confidence interval, 18-40%) of women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3. At 12 months, a high-grade colposcopic appearance identified only 58% (95% confidence interval, 48-68%) of women with residual histological cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3. At 12 months, high-grade cytology identified only 58% (95% confidence interval, 48-68%) of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3. However, the combination of either high-grade cytology or colposcopic appearance proved substantially more sensitive (81%; 95% confidence interval, 72-88%). High-risk human papillomavirus positivity at 12 months was a sensitive (96%; 95% confidence interval, 89-99%) indicator of persisting high-grade histology. However, this sensitivity came at the expense of specificity (52%; 95% confidence interval, 45-58%). A co-test of high-risk human papillomavirus positivity or high-grade cytology at 12 months provided a high sensitivity (97%; 95% confidence interval, 90-99%) but low specificity (51%; 95% confidence interval, 45%-58%). CONCLUSION: Colposcopy and cytology are limited in their ability to exclude persistent high-grade abnormality for young women undergoing observational management for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2. We recommend biopsy for all women at 12 months. High-risk human papillomavirus positivity is a sensitive indicator of persistent abnormality and should be considered in those not having a biopsy.

Preventability review of severe maternal morbidity.

INTRODUCTION: Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is rising globally. Assessing SMM is an important quality measure. This study aimed to examine SMM in a national cohort in New Zealand. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a national retrospective review of pregnant or postpartum women admitted to an Intensive Care Unit or High Dependency Unit during pregnancy or recent postpartum. Outcomes were rates of SMM and assessment of potential preventability. Preventability was defined as any action on the part of the provider, system or patient that may have contributed to progression to more severe morbidity, and was assessed by a multidisciplinary review team. RESULTS: Severe maternal morbidity was 6.2 per 1000 deliveries (95% confidence interval 5.7-6.8) with higher rates for Pacific, Indian and other Asian racial groups. Major blood loss (39.4%), preeclampsia-associated conditions (23.3%) and severe sepsis (14.1%) were the most common causes of SMM. Potential preventability was highest with sepsis cases (56%) followed by preeclampsia and major blood loss (34.3% and 30.9%). Of these cases, only 36.4% were managed appropriately as determined by multidisciplinary review. Provider factors such as inappropriate diagnosis, delay or failure to recognize high risk were the most common factors associated with potential preventability of SMM. Pacific Island women had over twice the rate of preventable morbidity (relative risk 2.48, 95% confidence interval 1.28-4.79). CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary external anonymized review of SMM showed that over a third of cases were potentially preventable, being due to substandard provider care with increased preventability rates for racial/ethnic minority women. Monitoring country rates of SMM and implementing case reviews to assess potential preventability are appropriate quality improvement measures and external review of anonymized cases may reduce racial profiling to inform unbiased appropriate interventions and resource allocation to help prevent these severe events.

Time to second abortion or continued pregnancy following a first abortion: a retrospective cohort study.

STUDY QUESTION: What proportions of women have a second abortion or continued pregnancy within 12-46 months of a first abortion? SUMMARY ANSWER: Estimated return rates for a second abortion were 5, 10.9 and 19.8% at 12, 24 and 46-months, respectively, and rates of continued pregnancy were 5.6, 12.9 and 24.3% at the same intervals. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Studies attempting to identify women at risk for 'repeat abortion' for intervention purposes have described a range of demographic and behavioural characteristics associated with presentation for more than one abortion, but few have taken timing of abortions into account. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Retrospective cohort study involving women presenting for a first abortion at a public hospital abortion clinic in New Zealand (2007-2010). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Electronically stored records were analysed for women discharged from a public hospital abortion clinic in New Zealand. Outcome measures were the proportion of women having a second abortion or continued pregnancy within 24 months of a first abortion, and characteristics associated with shorter time to subsequent pregnancy. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to detect factors associated with time to a second abortion or continued pregnancy, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to estimate time to one of these two pregnancy outcomes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 6767 women had a first abortion between 2007 and 2010. Some data were missing for 11 women so were excluded from the cohort and analyses. Return rates for a second abortion estimated from survival analyses were 5, 10.9 and 19.8% at 12, 24 and 46 months, respectively. Estimated rates of continued pregnancies were 5.6, 12.9 and 24.3% at 12, 24 and 46 months, respectively. Younger age, non-European ethnicity and greater parity were significantly associated with shorter time to a second abortion and to a subsequent continued pregnancy (P < 0.01 for all factor P-values). Hazard ratios (HR) for a second abortion were highest among those aged 16-19 years (HR 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-1.9, Reference 20-24), of Pacific Island (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.1-1.7) or Maori ethnicity (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.1-1.5, Reference New Zealand European), and with 1 (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.1-1.7) or 2 (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, Reference nulliparous) children at the time of the first abortion. Both pregnancy outcomes were observed among 120 women (1.8%), with 60% of these women having a second abortion before the continued pregnancy. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study was limited to analysis of routinely collected clinical and demographic data for women presenting for abortion over a 4-year period. Conclusions could not be drawn about a wider range of personal and situational factors influencing pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Data were drawn from only one clinic but characteristics of the study sample were broadly representative of those reported nationally. Loss to follow-up for women seeking a second abortion elsewhere in the country cannot be ruled out and would serve to underestimate return rates reported here. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: To date, the most effective public health measure known to reduce abortion return rates within 24 months is the initiation of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) at the time of an abortion. The high proportion of women seeking a second abortion <4 years after a first abortion (20%) could be significantly reduced by use of LARC, as could unintended pregnancies that are continued soon after a first abortion, particularly among teenaged and young women. Barrier-free access to a range of LARC methods should be prioritized to prevent unintended and mistimed pregnancies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: Funded by a Lottery Health Research Grant and a University of Otago Research Grant. The authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Impact of long-acting reversible contraception on return for repeat abortion.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the rate of return for repeat abortion in relation to postabortion contraceptive method choice 24 months onward from an intervention study. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study involving a hospital note search for 510 women 24 months after an abortion. RESULTS: Women using long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods (intrauterine device [IUD] and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) had significantly lower return rates for repeat abortion (6.45%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.0-9.8) than non-LARC users, of whom 14.5% returned (95% CI, 9.9-20.2). A Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the postabortion method choice was significantly related to the likelihood of returning for a repeat abortion (P = .002), controlling for major demographic factors and previous pregnancy history. Using the pill as a reference group for risk of repeat abortion, the IUD hazard ratio (HR) was 0.36 (95% CI, 0.17-0.77), the depot medroxyprogesterone acetate HR was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.21-1.45), and the HR for all other methods was 1.8 (95% CI, 0.83-3.92). CONCLUSION: This study provides strong support for the promotion of immediate postabortion access to LARC methods (particularly intrauterine devices) to prevent repeat abortion.

Cost-effectiveness of exercise on prescription with telephone support among women in general practice over 2 years.

AIM: To assess the cost-effectiveness of exercise on prescription with ongoing support in general practice. METHODS: Prospective cost-effectiveness study undertaken as part of the 2-year Women's lifestyle study randomised controlled trial involving 1089 'less-active' women aged 40-74. The 'enhanced Green Prescription' intervention included written exercise prescription and brief advice from a primary care nurse, face-to-face follow-up at 6 months, and 9 months of telephone support. The primary outcome was incremental cost of moving one 'less-active' person into the 'active' category over 24 months. Direct costs of programme delivery were recorded. Other (indirect) costs covered in the analyses included participant costs of exercise, costs of primary and secondary healthcare utilisation, allied health therapies and time off work (lost productivity). Cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated with and without including indirect costs. RESULTS: Follow-up rates were 93% at 12 months and 89% at 24 months. Significant improvements in physical activity were found at 12 and 24 months (p<0.01). The exercise programme cost was New Zealand dollars (NZ$) 93.68 (€45.90) per participant. There was no significant difference in indirect costs over the course of the trial between the two groups (rate ratios: 0.99 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.2) at 12 months and 1.01 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.23) at 24 months, p=0.9). Cost-effectiveness ratios using programme costs were NZ$687 (€331) per person made 'active' and sustained at 12 months and NZ$1407 (€678) per person made 'active' and sustained at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: This nurse-delivered programme with ongoing support is very cost-effective and compares favourably with other primary care and community-based physical activity interventions internationally.

Audit of severe acute maternal morbidity describing reasons for transfer and potential preventability of admissions to ICU.

BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality is a rare event in the developed world. Assessment of severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) is therefore an appropriate measure of the quality of maternity care. AIMS: The aim of the study was to conduct a retrospective audit of SAMM cases (pregnant women admitted to a New Zealand Intensive Care Unit) to describe clinical, socio-demographic characteristics, pregnancy outcomes and preventability. METHODS: Severe acute maternal morbidity cases were reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel to determine reasons for admission to ICU, to classify organ-system dysfunction and to determine whether the SAMM case was preventable or not. Inclusion criteria were: admission to ICU between 2005 and 2007 during pregnancy or within 42 days of delivery. RESULTS: Twenty-nine SAMM cases were reviewed, of which 10 (35%) were deemed preventable. The most common reasons for transfer to ICU were: the need for invasive vascular monitoring, hypotension and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The most frequent types of preventable events were: inadequate diagnosis/recognition of high-risk status, inappropriate treatment, communication problems and inadequate documentation. All five SAMM cases of septicaemia were deemed preventable. Of the ten preventable cases, three were Maori (50% of the Maori in total audit), four were Pacific (67% of the Pacific in total audit) and three were women of 'other' ethnicities (17.6%, 3 of 17 in the audit). CONCLUSIONS: An audit of SAMM cases describing reasons for transfer to ICU and preventability is feasible. We recommend that a prospective national SAMM audit process be introduced in New Zealand as a quality of care measure.

Impact of human papillomavirus vaccination on rates of abnormal cervical cytology and histology in young New Zealand women.

AIM: Determine the impact of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on abnormal cervical cytology and histology rates in young New Zealand women. METHODS: Retrospective population-based cohort study of women born 1990-1994, with a cervical cytology or histology recorded when aged 20-24 between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015. Data was obtained through linking the National Immunisation Register and National Cervical Screening Programme Register. RESULTS: N=104,313 women (376,402 person years of follow up) were included. The incidence of high-grade cytology was lower in vaccinated women (at least one dose prior to 18 years) than in unvaccinated women (8.5 vs 11.3 per 1,000 person years [p1000py], incidence rate ratio [IRR 0.75], 95% CI 0.70, 0.80, p<.001). The incidence of high-grade histology was lower in vaccinated women than in unvaccinated women (6.0 vs 8.7 p1000py, IRR 0.69, 95% CI 0.64, 0.75, p<.001). There was no evidence of a difference in the incidence of high-grade histology between European and Maori women overall or after taking vaccination status into account. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving at least one dose of quadrivalent HPV vaccine prior to 18 years was associated with a 25% lower incidence of high-grade cytology and 31% lower incidence of high-grade histology in women aged 20-24 years.

Exercise on prescription for women aged 40-74 recruited through primary care: two year randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a primary care based programme of exercise on prescription among relatively inactive women over a two year period. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: 17 primary care practices in Wellington, New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: 1089 women aged 40-74 not undertaking 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on at least five days of the week. INTERVENTION: Brief physical activity intervention led by nurse with six month follow-up visit and monthly telephone support over nine months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Physical activity assessed at baseline and 12 and 24 months. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (SF-36), weight, waist circumference,blood pressure, concentrations of fasting serum lipids,glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose, insulin, and physical fitness. RESULTS: Mean age was 58.9 (SD 7) years. Trial retention rates were 93% and 89% at 12 and 24 months,respectively. At baseline,10%of intervention participants and 11% of control participants were achieving 150 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity a week. At 12 months rates increased to 43% and 30% and at 24 months to 39.3% and 32.8% (P<0.001), respectively. SF-36 physical functioning (P = 0.03) and mental health (P<0.05) scores improved more in intervention compared with control participants, but role physical scores were significantly lower (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes. More falls (P<0.001) and injuries (P=0.03) were recorded in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: This programme of exercise on prescription increased physical activity and quality of life over two years, although falls and injuries also increased. This finding supports the use of exercise on prescription programmes as part of population strategies to reduce physical inactivity.

High prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in women presenting for termination of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections increase the risk of postoperative complications after termination of pregnancy. Mycoplasma genitalium is sexually transmitted and associated with adverse clinical outcomes in both males and females. The prevalence of M. genitalium is not yet known in New Zealand women or among women presenting for termination of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This study involved prospective data collection at a public hospital clinic for termination of pregnancy. Participants were 300 under 25-year-old women presenting for termination of pregnancy. The study aimed to describe the prevalence of M. genitalium in women presenting for termination of pregnancy using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Women provided a vaginal swab that was sent to the laboratory for PCR detection of M. genitalium. Data collection included age, ethnicity, previous pregnancy history, gestational age, procedure type, results of STI tests performed on referral for a termination of pregnancy (C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis) and use of antimicrobials in the past 3 weeks. RESULTS: M. genitalium was detected in 26 women (8.7%). Rates of infection did not differ significantly by patient characteristics such as age, ethnicity or previous pregnancies. Infection with M. genitalium was not significantly associated with bacterial vaginosis or C. trachomatis infection. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study designed to determine the prevalence of M. genitalium in women presenting for termination of pregnancy. Given the high proportion of cases observed in this study, further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of M. genitalium in postoperative termination of pregnancy complications.

Changes in human papillomavirus genotypes associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 lesions in a cohort of young women (2013-2016).

In 2008, a quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (genotypes 6, 11, 16, 18) became available in New Zealand. This study investigated whether the proportion of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) lesions associated with HPV genotypes 16 and 18 changed over time in young women recruited to a prospective CIN2 observational management trial (PRINCess) between 2013 and 2016. Partial HPV genotyping (16, 18, or other high risk HPV) was undertaken on n = 392 women under 25 years (mean age 21.8, range 17-24) with biopsy-diagnosed CIN2. High risk HPV genotypes were detected in 96% of women with CIN2 lesions. Between 2013 and 2016, the proportion of women whose liquid-based cytology samples were HPV 16 or 18 positive decreased from 43% to 13%. HPV vaccination status was known for 78% of women. Between 2013 and 2016, the proportion of HPV 16/18 positivity did not significantly change in HPV-vaccinated women, but decreased from 66% to 17% in unvaccinated women. The reducing proportion of HPV 16/18-related CIN2 in our cohort of young New Zealand women may be attributable to the introduction of a national HPV vaccination program. The substantial decrease in HPV 16/18 positivity observed in unvaccinated women is likely to be due to a herd effect.

The 'Women's Lifestyle Study', 2-year randomized controlled trial of physical activity counselling in primary health care: rationale and study design.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. There is evidence that increasing physical activity can reduce the risk of developing these chronic diseases, but less evidence about effective ways to increase adherence to physical activity. Interventions are therefore needed that produce sustained increases in adherence to physical activity, are cost-effective and improve clinical endpoints. METHODS: The Women's Lifestyle Study is a two year randomized controlled trial involving a nurse-led intervention to increase physical activity in 40-74 year old physically inactive women recruited from primary care. Baseline measures were assessed in a face-to-face interview with a primary care nurse. The intervention involved delivery of a 'Lifestyle script' by a primary care nurse followed by telephone counselling for nine months and a face-to-face nurse visit at six months. Outcome measurements are assessed at 12 and 24 months. The primary outcome is physical activity measured using a validated physical activity questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, physical fitness (step test), serum HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipids, insulin, and quality of life (SF36). Costs were measured prospectively to allow a subsequent cost-effectiveness evaluation if the trial is positive. DISCUSSION: Due to report in 2008, the Women's Lifestyle Study tests the effectiveness of an enhanced low-cost, evidence-based intervention in increasing physical activity, and improving cardiovascular and diabetes risk indicators over two years. If successful in demonstrating improvements in health outcomes, this randomized controlled trial will be the first to demonstrate long-term cardiovascular and diabetes risk health benefit, in addition to improvements in physical activity, from a sustainable physical activity intervention based in primary care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian Clinical Trials Registry (ACTR), ACTRN012605000490673.

Exploring access to vasectomy services: a case study of funding in Counties Manukau.

INTRODUCTION Although vasectomy rates in New Zealand have been reported as among the highest worldwide, there is limited information about who is receiving these services and how they are being accessed. This information is needed to develop equitable access to vasectomy services. AIM To describe the ethnicity and socioeconomic status of men accessing District Health Board-funded and self-funded vasectomies in Counties Manukau. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis of provider data linked to ethnicity and area deprivation as an indicator of socioeconomic status. RESULTS Of 332 vasectomies, 66% were for New Zealand European men. Socioeconomic status was not associated with the number of procedures for New Zealand European men, but of the Maori and Pacific men who underwent vasectomies, most lived in the greatest areas of deprivation; 58% (18/31) and 50% (12/24), respectively. When vasectomies were funded, the number of procedures doubled for men from areas of high deprivation. The number of procedures was low for men of other ethnicities. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate differential access to vasectomies by ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Funding vasectomies may provide community benefits in terms of improving equity in access and alleviating a financial burden for many families living in areas of high deprivation.

Going to sleep in the supine position is a modifiable risk factor for late pregnancy stillbirth; Findings from the New Zealand multicentre stillbirth case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to test the primary hypothesis that maternal non-left, in particular supine going-to-sleep position, would be a risk factor for late stillbirth (≥28 weeks of gestation). METHODS: A multicentre case-control study was conducted in seven New Zealand health regions, between February 2012 and December 2015. Cases (n = 164) were women with singleton pregnancies and late stillbirth, without congenital abnormality. Controls (n = 569) were women with on-going singleton pregnancies, randomly selected and frequency matched for health region and gestation. The primary outcome was adjusted odds of late stillbirth associated with self-reported going-to-sleep position, on the last night. The last night was the night before the late stillbirth was thought to have occurred or the night before interview for controls. Going-to-sleep position on the last night was categorised as: supine, left-side, right-side, propped or restless. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for known confounders. RESULTS: Supine going-to-sleep position on the last night was associated with increased late stillbirth risk (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 3.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74 to 7.78) with a population attributable risk of 9.4%. Other independent risk factors for late stillbirth (aOR, 95% CI) were: BMI (1.04, 1.01 to 1.08) per unit, maternal age ≥40 (2.88, 1.31 to 6.32), birthweight <10th customised centile (2.76, 1.59 to 4.80), and <6 hours sleep on the last night (1.81, 1.14 to 2.88). The risk associated with supine-going-to-sleep position was greater for term (aOR 10.26, 3.00 to 35.04) than preterm stillbirths (aOR 3.12, 0.97 to 10.05). CONCLUSIONS: Supine going-to-sleep position is associated with a 3.7 fold increase in overall late stillbirth risk, independent of other common risk factors. A public health campaign encouraging women not to go-to-sleep supine in the third trimester has potential to reduce late stillbirth by approximately 9%.

Atypical presentation of serious pelvic inflammatory disease following mifepristone-induced medical abortion.

Mifepristone-induced abortion is increasingly common. Recent alerts have highlighted the occurrence of infrequent but serious complications. We report a case of serious bacterial infection after medical termination that occurred in the absence of the usual signs of infection.

Initiation of maternity care for young Maori women under 20 years of age.

AIM: To explore the lived realities of pregnant Maori women <20 years through pregnancy and motherhood, to identify barriers to, and facilitators of, access to maternity care. METHOD: Using a Kaupapa Maori research paradigm, 44 pregnant or recently pregnant Maori woman <20 years of age were recruited in two case study sites. Participants completed a series of interviews during different stages of pregnancy and motherhood. Interview transcripts were read, re-read and cross-compared by the two interviewing researchers to identify emergent themes, and organised using the software programme Nvivo. Thematic data was grouped, and re-grouped into topic areas for further analysis. RESULTS: Participants engaged early with health care services both to confirm their pregnancy and to initiate maternity care. Barriers to access occurred at the first contact with a lack of information, and support along the maternity care pathway to mainly community based midwifery care. Many participants felt inadequately supported to be able to identify, confirm, and enrol with a midwife or hospital care. Participants who received proactive support at the first interaction with health services had an appropriate maternity care pathway toward obtaining early and seamless maternity care. CONCLUSION: Interviews with participants identified that contrary to published literature young Maori women are engaging early with health services (GP services, school and community based youth health services) for maternity care, but system barriers from this first health contact lead to avoidable delays to them accessing a seamless maternity care pathway. There is a lack of sufficient and appropriate information and support for this young population group who have limited resources and experience to navigate through health services. These inequities in access to maternity care could be reduced through an integrated model of care that sees maternity care beginning at the first interaction with health care services. The service, primarily general practitioners, would then take responsibility for first trimester screening and navigation to a lead maternity carer.

The effect of midwifery care on rates of cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether changing to a midwifery-led maternity service model was associated with a lower national rate of cesarean delivery. METHODS: We analyzed trends in the rate of cesarean delivery per 1000 live births between 1996 and 2010 in New Zealand. Estimates of relative increases in rate were calculated via Poisson regression for several maternal age groups over the study period. RESULTS: Rates of cesarean delivery increased over the study period, from 156.9 per 1000 live births in 1996 to 235 per 1000 in 2010: a crude increase of 49.8%. Increasing trends were apparent in each age group, with the largest increases occurring before 2003 and relatively stable rates in the subsequent period. The smoothed estimate showed that the increase in cesarean rate across all age groups was 43.7% (95% confidence interval, 41.6-45.8) over the 15-year period. CONCLUSION: A national midwifery-led care model was not associated with a decreased rate of cesarean delivery but, instead, with an increase similar to that in other high-resource countries. This indicates that other factors may account for the increase. Further research is needed to examine maternity outcomes associated with different models of maternity care.

Predictors of intent to vaccinate against HPV/cervical cancer: a multi-ethnic survey of 769 parents in New Zealand.

AIM: To identify factors predictive of parents' intent to have their daughters' receive the HPV/cervical cancer vaccine. METHODS: 3123 questionnaires were distributed to parents recruited from 14 socioeconomically diverse schools in 2008. Survey questions were structured around the health beliefs model. The main outcome measure was intent to seek vaccination for daughter(s). RESULTS: A quarter of parents completed questionnaires (769/3123). Two-thirds of respondents (67%) indicated they would want their daughter(s) to receive the vaccine, with no significant differences by ethnicity. Intent to vaccinate was significantly associated with having fewer negative views on vaccination (OR 0.47, 95%CI 0.37-0.59), having adequate information about the vaccine, perceiving HPV infection and cervical cancer as serious and likely to occur (OR 1.2, 95%CI 1.05-1.36), and considering efficacy and safety of the vaccine important (OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06-1.28) (p<0.01). Awareness of HPV-related facts was lowest among Maori and Pacific parents (p<0.001). Pacific parents were more likely to have concerns about vaccination impacting negatively on girls' sexual behaviour. IMPLICATIONS: Strategies will be needed to provide detailed information outlining HPV prevalence and consequences, vaccine safety and efficacy to ensure all parents and their daughters are adequately informed when deciding on vaccination.

Peri-abortion contraceptive choices of migrant Chinese women: a retrospective review of medical records.

BACKGROUND: Migrant Asian women reportedly have low levels of contraceptive use and high rates of abortion in New Zealand. Chinese make up the largest proportion of migrant Asian in New Zealand. This study aimed to describe the contraceptive choices of Chinese women seeking abortion; to examine method choice in relation to demographic characteristics (including length of stay) and to determine whether Chinese women were over-represented among abortion clinic attendees. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records at a public hospital abortion clinic involving 305 Chinese women. Previously collected data for European (n = 277) and Maori women (n = 128) were used for comparative analyses. Regression analyses explored correlates of contraceptive method choice. Population census data were used to calculate rates of clinic attendance across ethnic groups. RESULTS: Chinese women were not over-represented among clinic attendees, and had similar rates of contraceptive non-use pre-abortion as women in comparison groups. Use of the oral contraceptive pill by Chinese was lower pre-abortion than for other ethnic groups, but choice of this method post-abortion was similar for Chinese (46.9%, 95% CI 41-52.7) and European women (43.7%, 95% CI 37.8-49.7). Post-abortion choice of an intrauterine device did not differ significantly between Chinese (28.9%, 95% CI 23.8-34.3) and Maori women (37%, 95% CI 28.4-45.7), but was higher than uptake of this method by European women (21.7%, 95% CI 17-27.0). Age, parity and previous abortion were significant predictors of post-abortion method choice by Chinese women (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Following contraceptive counseling at the clinic, Chinese women chose more effective contraceptive methods for use post-abortion than they had used previously. As the population of migrant Chinese in New Zealand continues to increase, strategies are urgently needed to provide new arrivals with appropriate information and advice about contraception and where to access it, so women can be better prepared to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

Promoting uptake of the HPV vaccine: the knowledge and views of school staff.

BACKGROUND: School-based human papillomavirus (HPV)/cervical cancer vaccination programs have been implemented widely, but few studies have investigated the knowledge and views of school staff about this new vaccine. METHODS: Prior to the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2009, we surveyed staff at 14 socioeconomically diverse schools to assess views toward this new program, including staff's information needs, ideas on promoting return of consent forms, and uptake of the vaccine among minority groups. RESULTS: Of 583 invited staff, 456 participated (78%). About 58% of the participants knew about the link between HPV and cervical cancer, and that HPV is passed on during sexual contact. When asked if vaccination would increase sexual activity at a younger age, 71% disagreed, 6% agreed, and 23% were unsure. The majority of staff agreed that vaccine uptake could be improved through provision of information and consent forms in indigenous and Pacific languages; ensuring parents are well informed and girls educated about the vaccine; involving community groups and by extending availability of the vaccine into community settings as well as school and primary care. Three fourths of the staff surveyed wanted more information about the program before and during its implementation. CONCLUSIONS: This important group of stakeholders requires appropriate information so that they can support girls and their parents in deciding whether to have the vaccine. School staff members are potential health advocates with whom consultation should occur before and during the implementation of such programs.