Understanding choice and uptake of effective contraception in young women from culturally diverse (CALD) backgrounds: A qualitative study

In Australia, over one in 10 women aged 19–24 years experienced an unintended pregnancy. Disparities exist, with women from culturally and linguistic diverse (CALD) backgrounds showing poorer sexual and reproductive health outcomes, lower effective contraception use, and higher risk of unintended pregnancies compared to their non-CALD counterparts. This can be linked to a range of intersecting issues including cultural norms, beliefs around contraception, and access to appropriate sexual health education. The influences on women’s’ choice and use of effective contraception are poorly understood in this population. This qualitative study will involve interviewing young women from CALD backgrounds to explore the behavioural influences to choosing and using effective contraception. The results will help inform future projects within the SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health in Primary Care focused on improving uptake of effective contraception. The SPHERE CRE is dedicated to better sexual and reproductive health outcomes for women through primary care. Students working within SPHERE will be supported by a vibrant research team consisting of PhD students, academic registrars and Honours students. They will also have the opportunity to be part of a large, multidisciplinary, collaborative team of investigators, which includes prominent national and international researchers and experts working in women’s health, general practice, pharmacy, nursing, epidemiology, knowledge translation, health economics, and policy development.