Views and experiences of young women from a migrant or refugee background regarding the contraceptive implant in Australia.

Young people comprise a significant proportion of migrants and refugees in Australia. Many encounter challenges in accessing contraception information and services. This study explored the views and experiences of young women from migrant and/or refugee backgrounds regarding the contraceptive implant and related decision-making. Interviews were conducted with 33 women, aged 15-24, living in New South Wales, Australia, who spoke a language other than English and had some experience of the implant. Three themes were developed from the data as follows: 'Finding your own path': contraception decision-making (in which participants described sex and contraception as being taboo in their community, yet still made independent contraceptive choices); Accessing 'trustworthy' contraception information and navigating services (in which participants consulted online resources and social media for contraception information, and preferred discussions with healthcare providers from outside their community); and Views and experiences of the contraceptive implant (while the implant was described as a 'Western' method, most participants regarded it as an acceptable, convenient, cost-effective, and confidential means of contraception). Decision-making regarding the implant is influenced by many factors which must be considered in health promotion efforts and when providing clinical care. Consideration of more informative health promotion resources, peer education strategies, and healthcare provider training is warranted to support contraception decision-making and choice.

Impact of policy changes of Medicare-rebated telehealth services on medical abortions provided at a family planning service during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This study reviewed data on the mode of delivery of medical abortion care (via face-to-face or telehealth) at a Family Planning service during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; April 2020 to March 2022. This was considered over time, in the context of changing eligibility criteria for Medicare-rebated telehealth services as well as patient demographic data. The study demonstrated that when Medicare rebates for telehealth are available for all those requiring abortion care, telehealth contributes to care provision alongside face-to-face services, and is more likely to be utilised by people living in regional and remote areas.

Clinician views and experiences with reproductive coercion screening in a family planning service.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive coercion refers to behaviour that interferes with a person's reproductive autonomy, such as contraceptive sabotage, pregnancy coercion, controlling a pregnancy outcome or forced sterilisation. Routine screening for reproductive coercion, together with clinician education, was implemented at a family planning service in New South Wales, Australia, in December 2018. A study was undertaken to explore the views and experiences of clinicians in undertaking reproductive coercion screening at this service. METHODS: Clinicians were invited to complete an online survey and interview to discuss their understanding of reproductive coercion and their views and experiences of undertaking reproductive coercion screening. Descriptive and thematic content analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Clinicians deemed reproductive coercion screening to be relevant and important in family planning services. Key barriers to reproductive coercion screening and responding to disclosures included time constraints and limited appropriate referral pathways. Ongoing education and training with resources such as a decision-support tool on reproductive coercion screening and management, as well as effective multi-disciplinary collaboration, were identified as strategies to improve the screening program. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from our study highlight that clinicians' perceived reproductive coercion screening as a relevant and important component of sexual and reproductive healthcare. Ongoing reproductive coercion education, training and support would ensure the competency and confidence of clinicians undertaking screening. Identifying appropriate referral pathways with multi-disciplinary collaboration (involving clinicians, social workers, support workers and psychologists) would support clinicians in undertaking screening and responding to disclosures of reproductive coercion in Australian health care settings which provide family planning and sexual and reproductive health services.

Opportunities for strengthening sexual health education in schools: Findings from a student needs assessment in NSW.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is important for the sexual and reproductive health of young people. To better understand young people's views and experiences of sexual health education in NSW, a student needs assessment survey was conducted in 2017. METHODS: This paper presents the findings from 1603 NSW students in Years 8-12 following online recruitment. Descriptive analyses explored students' views and experiences in relation to sources of sexual health information, education providers, school-based topics covered and resources drawn on. RESULTS: Findings indicate that school, parents, friends and social media are students' most common sources of information on sexual and reproductive health. Approximately one-third of students reported wanting more information on topics related to relationships, reproductive health, consent and sexual decision-making and sexual harassment, abuse and bullying, and two-thirds of transgender and gender diverse students wanted more information on gender identity. For the topics which students reported receiving the least information about at school, they were most likely to seek this out on social media and websites. CONCLUSION: Findings provide valuable insight for improving CSE in NSW. The influence of social media, parents and the internet should be taken into consideration when developing resources and programme content. Professional development for educators could contribute to improving the quality of CSE delivered. Accurate and up to date resources must be utilised to support student engagement and effective learning.

Outcomes of routine screening for reproductive coercion in a family planning service.

Background Reproductive coercion (RC) occurs when a person's autonomous decision-making regarding reproductive health is compromised by another. RC screening, that is, the use of routine, non-invasive screening questions asked of service users/clients, is one strategy that can be used to assess for RC. Routine screening for RC was implemented within Family Planning NSW clinical consultations in December 2018. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to review the outcomes of screening to better understand the situation of RC among women accessing family planning services. Methods A retrospective review of clinical consultation data of eligible women attending Family Planning NSW clinics in 2019 was undertaken. Descriptive analysis was conducted and modified Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios and assess associations between binary outcomes and client characteristics. Results Of 7943 women eligible for RC screening, 5497 were screened (69%) and 127 women (2.3%) disclosed RC. RC was more likely to be disclosed among clients who were unemployed, had a disability or had more than one visit within 1 year. Conclusions Sexual and reproductive health clinicians, in particular, are well placed to conduct RC screening. However, they must have adequate training and access to resources to implement screening and respond to women who disclose RC.

Promoting cervical screening among women experiencing homelessness and socio-economic disadvantage in Sydney.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Australia's national cervical screening program has reduced rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. However, these benefits have not been experienced by all women. A Cervical Cancer Screening Project was implemented with lay health educators to address inequitable screening access by women experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. METHODS: Resources and a training program were developed and piloted with the specialist homelessness services workforce in Sydney, NSW. Data was collected to inform their development and evaluation through interviews, focus groups, self-administered surveys and analysis of NSW Pap Test Register data. RESULTS: Women reported low familiarity with the term 'cervical screening'. They identified a good patient-doctor relationship, and seeing a female practitioner, as screening enablers. While the majority reported having cervical screening before, NSW Pap Test Register data showed only 74% had screened previously and of those, 69% were overdue. Homelessness service workers expressed interest in talking with clients about cervical screening, and reported increased knowledge and confidence following training. CONCLUSION: The homelessness sector is an appropriate venue to access women who are disadvantaged and under-screened. However, increasing workforce capacity to discuss screening does not lead to increased screening for women accessing these services. Further efforts are required. SO WHAT?: Access to cervical screening by women experiencing disadvantage remains a challenge. Sustained multi-faceted health promotion efforts are required to increase access. These should be informed by additional research exploring barriers and enablers for this group of women.

Prevalence and associated factors of urinary leakage among women participating in the 45 and Up Study.

AIMS: The study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of urinary leakage and its associated factors among a sample of females aged 45 years and over in New South Wales. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 45 and Up Study wherein urinary leakage is identified as women who reported being troubled by leaking urine. At baseline, 143 096 females (2006-2009) and 59 060 females in the follow-up survey (2012-2015) were included in the analysis. We estimated the prevalence, and identified the factors associated with urinary leakage using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence of urinary leakage was 44.0% at baseline and 44.6% at the first follow-up survey. Among women who reported urinary leakage at baseline, 21.2% reported urine leakage once a week or less and 13.1% four or more times per week. Increasing age, abnormal BMI, back pain, anxiety, depression, and psychological distress were associated with greater odds of women reporting urinary leakage. Asian ancestry and being unemployed was associated with a lower risk for urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: Findings from this analysis estimate that approximately one in two women aged 45 years and older will most likely experience urinary leakage. The associated factors could serve as screening indicators for urinary leakage.

Negotiating Discourses of Shame, Secrecy, and Silence: Migrant and Refugee Women's Experiences of Sexual Embodiment.

In Australia and Canada, the sexual health needs of migrant and refugee women have been of increasing concern, because of their underutilization of sexual health services and higher rate of sexual health problems. Previous research on migrant women's sexual health has focused on their higher risk of difficulties, or barriers to service use, rather than their construction or understanding of sexuality and sexual health, which may influence service use and outcomes. Further, few studies of migrant and refugee women pay attention to the overlapping role of culture, gender, class, and ethnicity in women's understanding of sexual health. This qualitative study used an intersectional framework to explore experiences and constructions of sexual embodiment among 169 migrant and refugee women recently resettled in Sydney, Australia and Vancouver, Canada, from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, India, and South America, utilizing a combination of individual interviews and focus groups. Across all of the cultural groups, participants described a discourse of shame, associated with silence and secrecy, as the dominant cultural and religious construction of women's sexual embodiment. This was evident in constructions of menarche and menstruation, the embodied experience that signifies the transformation of a girl into a sexual woman; constructions of sexuality, including sexual knowledge and communication, premarital virginity, sexual pain, desire, and consent; and absence of agency in fertility control and sexual health. Women were not passive in relation to a discourse of sexual shame; a number demonstrated active resistance and negotiation in order to achieve a degree of sexual agency, yet also maintain cultural and religious identity. Identifying migrant and refugee women's experiences and constructions of sexual embodiment are essential for understanding sexual subjectivity, and provision of culturally safe sexual health information in order to improve well-being and facilitate sexual agency.

"In My Culture, We Don't Know Anything About That": Sexual and Reproductive Health of Migrant and Refugee Women.

PURPOSE: Migrant and refugee women are at risk of negative sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes due to low utilisation of SRH services. SRH is shaped by socio-cultural factors which can act as barriers to knowledge and influence access to healthcare. Research is needed to examine constructions and experiences of SRH in non-English-speaking migrant and refugee women, across a range of cultural groups. METHOD: This qualitative study examined the constructions and experiences of SRH among recent migrant and refugee women living in Sydney, Australia, and Vancouver, Canada. A total of 169 women from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, India, Sri Lanka and South America participated in the study, through 84 individual interviews, and 16 focus groups comprised of 85 participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Three themes were identified: "women's assessments of inadequate knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and preventative screening practices", "barriers to sexual and reproductive health" and "negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes". Across all cultural groups, many women had inadequate knowledge of SRH, due to taboos associated with constructions and experiences of menstruation and sexuality. This has implications for migrant and refugee women's ability to access SRH education and information, including contraception, and sexual health screening, making them vulnerable to SRH difficulties, such as sexually transmissible infections and unplanned pregnancies. CONCLUSION: It is essential for researchers and health service providers to understand socio-cultural constraints which may impede SRH knowledge and behaviour of recent migrant and refugee women, in order to provide culturally safe SRH education and services that are accessible to all women at resettlement irrespective of ethnicity or migration category.

Medical termination of pregnancy in general practice in Australia: a descriptive-interpretive qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Australian Government approval in 2012 for the use of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP) allows general practitioners (GPs) to provide early gestation abortion in primary care settings. However, uptake of the MTOP provision by GPs appears to be low and the reasons for this have been unclear. This study investigated the provision of and referral for MTOP by GPs. METHODS: We undertook descriptive-interpretive qualitative research and selected participants for diversity using a matrix. Twenty-eight semi-structured interviews and one focus group (N = 4), were conducted with 32 GPs (8 MTOP providers, 24 non MTOP providers) in New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A framework to examine access to abortion services was used to develop the interview questions and emergent themes identified thematically. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged: scope of practice; MTOP demand, care and referral; and workforce needs. Many GPs saw abortion as beyond the scope of their practice (i.e. a service others provide in specialist private clinics). Some GPs had religious or moral objections; others regarded MTOP provision as complicated and difficult. While some GPs expressed interest in MTOP provision they were concerned about stigma and the impact it may have on perceptions of their practice and the views of colleagues. Despite a reported variance in demand most MTOP providers were busy but felt isolated. Difficulties in referral to a local public hospital in the case of complications or the provision of surgical abortion were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Exploring the factors which affect access to MTOP in general practice settings provides insights to assist the future planning and delivery of reproductive health services. This research identifies the need for support to increase the number of MTOP GP providers and for GPs who are currently providing MTOP. Alongside these actions provision in the public sector is required. In addition, formalised referral pathways to the public sector are required to ensure timely care in the case of complications or the provision of surgical options. Leadership and coordination across the health sector is needed to facilitate integrated abortion care particularly for rural and low income women.

Towards comprehensive early abortion service delivery in high income countries: insights for improving universal access to abortion in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Improving access to safe abortion is an essential strategy in the provision of universal access to reproductive health care. Australians are largely supportive of the provision of abortion and its decriminalization. However, the lack of data and the complex legal and service delivery situation impacts upon access for women seeking an early termination of pregnancy. There are no systematic reviews from a health services perspective to help direct health planners and policy makers to improve access comprehensive medical and early surgical abortion in high income countries. This review therefore aims to identify quality studies of abortion services to provide insight into how access to services can be improved in Australia. METHODS: We undertook a structured search of six bibliographic databases and hand-searching to ascertain peer reviewed primary research in English between 2005 and 2015. Qualitative and quantitative study designs were deemed suitable for inclusion. A deductive content analysis methodology was employed to analyse selected manuscripts based upon a framework we developed to examine access to early abortion services. RESULTS: This review identified the dimensions of access to surgical and medical abortion at clinic or hospital-outpatient based abortion services, as well as new service delivery approaches utilising a remote telemedicine approach. A range of factors, mostly from studies in the United Kingdom and United States of America were found to facilitate improved access to abortion, in particular, flexible service delivery approaches that provide women with cost effective options and technology based services. Standards, recommendations and targets were also identified that provided services and providers with guidance regarding the quality of abortion care. CONCLUSIONS: Key insights for service delivery in Australia include the: establishment of standards, provision of choice of procedure, improved provider education and training and the expansion of telemedicine for medical abortion. However, to implement such directives leadership is required from Australian medical, nursing, midwifery and pharmacy practitioners, academic faculties and their associated professional associations. In addition, political will is needed to nationally decriminalise abortion and ensure dedicated public provision that is based on comprehensive models tailored for all populations.

Emergency contraception access in Fijian community pharmacies: A descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess pharmacists' knowledge regarding emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), their attitudes towards women obtaining ECPs, and ECP counselling and dispensing practices. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey using Qualtrics was distributed via pharmacy emails and networks to recruit registered pharmacists working in community-based pharmacies. RESULTS: There were 22 valid respondents, predominantly female pharmacists (68%), with an average of 7.5 years of registration. All pharmacists knew the correct time frame after unprotected sex for ECPs to be effective, and 73% knew how ECPs worked, but only 50% knew that there were no contraindications. Most pharmacists (86%) knew that ECPs should be available to all women and girls, but only 59% thought that a married woman should not have to get permission from her husband to buy ECPs. Information or education for clients on the correct use of ECPs was mainly provided by pharmacists (59%), mostly through verbal communication (96%). Only 5% of pharmacists had used the emergency contraception methods wheels. CONCLUSIONS: There were gaps in pharmacists' knowledge regarding ECPs. Biases, judgemental attitudes, and suboptimal practices existed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Targeted education and training for pharmacists is needed to improve access to ECPs in Fiji.

Cost-benefit analysis of enhancing the uptake of long-acting reversible contraception in Australia.

Objective Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is the most effective form of reversible contraception, but its use in Australia is low compared with other countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic effect of an increase in LARC uptake to international rates. Methods An economic model was designed to assess two scenarios, namely increasing the current rate of LARC uptake of 12.5% to the international benchmark of 14.8% among: (1) women currently using the oral contraceptive pill (OCP); and (2) women at risk of pregnancy and not using contraception. Model inputs included cost of contraceptive methods, discontinuation rates and abortion and miscarriage costs associated with unintended pregnancies. Results Women who switch from an OCP to LARC would save A$114-157 per year. Those not currently using any contraception who adopt LARC would incur costs of A$36-194 per year, but would reap savings from the reduction in unintended pregnancies. Over 5 years there would be a net saving of A$74.4 million for Scenario 1 and A$2.4 million for Scenario 2. Conclusion Greater use of LARC would result in a net gain in economic benefits to Australia. These benefits are largely driven by women switching from an OCP to LARC who have reduced costs, as well as women wishing to avoid pregnancy who choose to use LARC rather than no method. This evidence will support women making an informed contraceptive choice and policy makers in increasing the accessibility of LARC. What is known about the topic? LARC is the most effective form of reversible contraception, but uptake in Australia is relatively low. What does this paper add? There are economic benefits to society for women who switch from an OCP to LARC, as well as for women who switch from no contraception to LARC. What are the implications for practitioners? The findings of this study will support women in making an informed contraceptive choice and policy makers in increasing the accessibility of LARC.

Corrigendum to: Cost-benefit analysis of enhancing the uptake of long-acting reversible contraception in Australia.

ObjectiveLong-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is the most effective form of reversible contraception, but its use in Australia is low compared with other countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic effect of an increase in LARC uptake to international rates.MethodsAn economic model was designed to assess two scenarios, namely increasing the current rate of LARC uptake of 12.5% to the international benchmark of 14.8% among: (1) women currently using the oral contraceptive pill (OCP); and (2) women at risk of pregnancy and not using contraception. Model inputs included cost of contraceptive methods, discontinuation rates and abortion and miscarriage costs associated with unintended pregnancies.ResultsWomen who switch from an OCP to LARC would save A$114-157 per year. Those not currently using any contraception who adopt LARC would incur costs of A$36-194 per year, but would reap savings from the reduction in unintended pregnancies. Over 5 years there would be a net saving of A$74.4 million for Scenario 1 and A$2.4 million for Scenario 2.ConclusionGreater use of LARC would result in a net gain in economic benefits to Australia. These benefits are largely driven by women switching from an OCP to LARC who have reduced costs, as well as women wishing to avoid pregnancy who choose to use LARC rather than no method. This evidence will support women making an informed contraceptive choice and policy makers in increasing the accessibility of LARC.What is known about the topic?LARC is the most effective form of reversible contraception, but uptake in Australia is relatively low.What does this paper add?There are economic benefits to society for women who switch from an OCP to LARC, as well as for women who switch from no contraception to LARC.What are the implications for practitioners?The findings of this study will support women in making an informed contraceptive choice and policy makers in increasing the accessibility of LARC.

Young migrant and refugee people's views on unintended pregnancy and abortion in Sydney.

Although abortion rates appear to be declining in high-income nations, there is still a need for accessible, safe abortion services. However, limited attention has been paid to understanding the social contexts which shape access to abortion information and services for communities who are less engaged with sexual and reproductive health care more generally. This paper explores the views and experiences of 27 migrant and refugee young people (16-24 years old) living in Sydney, Australia, regarding unintended pregnancy and abortion. Pregnancy outside marriage was described by all participants as a shameful prospect as it revealed pre-marital sexual activity. Even when abortion was described as culturally and/or religiously unacceptable, it was believed many families would find an abortion preferable to continuing an unintended pregnancy outside marriage. However, a pervasive culture of silence regarding sexual and reproductive health may limit access to quality information and support in this area. To better meet the needs of these young people, greater attention must be paid to strengthening youth and community awareness of the availability of contraception including emergency contraception, pregnancy options, and access to abortion information and services.

Contraception and pregnancy then and now: examining the experiences of a cohort of mid-age Australian women.

BACKGROUND: More than 50% of women who have an unplanned pregnancy report using a contraceptive method. Since the launch of the pill 50 years ago, a number of cross-sectional surveys have examined contraceptive use in the Australian context. There is, however, little data on contraceptive use and efficacy over a woman's reproductive years. AIM: To determine the pattern of contraceptive use of Australian women over their reproductive lifespan, with particular emphasis on the relationship between contraceptive use and pregnancy. METHOD: One thousand women from the mid-age cohort of the Australian Women's Longitudinal Study were invited to participate in the Family Planning survey by completing a questionnaire about their reproductive histories. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were received for 812 women. The contraceptive pill was the most commonly ever used contraceptive method at 94% and also the most commonly used method prior to all pregnancies. Contraceptive failure increased with increasing gravidity; 11.4% with the first pregnancy to 23.0% with the fourth pregnancy, while 28.8% of the respondents reported an 'accidental' pregnancy due to stopping contraception for reasons such as concern about long-term effects and media stories. CONCLUSIONS: While surveys indicate that 66-70% of Australian women use a contraceptive method, more than half of unplanned pregnancies apparently occur in women using contraception. The modern Australian woman, in common with her predecessors, still faces significant challenges in her fertility management. This survey provides a longitudinal perspective on contraceptive use in relation to pregnancy and highlights the issue of efficacy of contraceptives in real-life situations.

Fertility control? Middle-aged Australian women's retrospective reports of their pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess middle-aged Australian women's retrospective reports of how intended and wanted were their pregnancies, and the degree of happiness associated with these pregnancies. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was sent to 1000 participants in the Mid-Age cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. RESULTS: Responses from 811 women (81%) showed that, although 32% of first pregnancies were unplanned and 29% were unwanted, most women recall being happy with their pregnancies and termination rates were very low. The second pregnancy was the most planned and wanted and associated with the highest levels of happiness. CONCLUSIONS: While the majority of middle-aged women report having been happy to be pregnant, and the majority of pregnancies are described retrospectively as planned and wanted, a significant proportion of pregnancies are unwanted, unplanned or resulting from unintended contraceptive failure. IMPLICATIONS: The data support the continuing need for widely available, affordable and sensitive fertility control services.

Factors associated with the initiation of testosterone replacement therapy in men from the 45 and Up Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There have been large increases in testosterone prescribing since 2000. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) initiation in men. METHODS: Data were from the 45 and Up Study, an ongoing cohort study involving 266,942 participants from New South Wales aged ≥45 years. Baseline data (2006−09) were linked to administrative data on government-subsidised prescriptions and medical services. RESULTS: The study included 105,429 men. In two years following baseline, 2.9 per 1000 men (95% confidence interval: 2.6, 3.2) had initiated TRT. Men with self-rated poor health, those treated for osteoporosis; anxiety, depression or high blood cholesterol, and those who lived in major cities or were aged 55­74 years had greater odds of TRT initiation. In the six months before TRT initiation, 41% of men had a hormone test record. DISCUSSION: Discussion The high rate of TRT initiation and low rate of recommended investigations suggest TRT may have been prescribed outside recommended indications.