1
|
Meier S, Giannone A, Umberger A, Mason CJ, Ramos-Ortiz J, Szabo MM, DeMaria AL. Messaging and access strategies for improving emergency contraceptive knowledge and uptake among Italians. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2021; 27:166-172. [PMID: 34860140 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2021.2008346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Over-the-counter emergency contraception (EC) purchase was legalised in Italy in 2015. Knowledge and access gaps, however, remain. The goal of this study was to explore women's and men's EC informational and access needs. METHODS As part of a larger reproductive study, researchers conducted 42 in-depth interviews (May-June 2019) with English-speaking women and men aged 18-50 years (mean ± standard deviation, 29.1 ± 7.9 years) living in or near Florence, Italy, and using the Italian health care system. Researchers completed qualitative data analysis to identify emergent themes related to EC knowledge, attitudes and access. HyperRESEARCH aided data organisation and analysis. Researchers used a comparative method to contextualise data and identify emergent themes. RESULTS Findings demonstrated that peer communication and experiences served as influential factors in others' EC use. This propagated misinformation, reducing participants' confidence in EC efficacy and safety. Women described the relevance of relationship type in whether to engage men in EC discussion, while men desired an active supportive role. Finally, participants described various messaging and access channels to increase EC knowledge and access. CONCLUSION Findings offer practical recommendations to guide social marketing and behaviour change interventions to increase EC access among women and men in Italy. The utility of pharmacists to individuals wishing to access EC is explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Meier
- Division of Consumer Science, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Allison Giannone
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Alexia Umberger
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Cayley J Mason
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jaziel Ramos-Ortiz
- Division of Consumer Science, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Andrea L DeMaria
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pralat R. Parenthood as intended: Reproductive responsibility, moral judgements and having children 'by accident'. Sociol Rev 2020; 68:161-176. [PMID: 32903979 PMCID: PMC7449378 DOI: 10.1177/0038026119868643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
What does it mean to have a child 'by accident'? And why is parenthood so often described as happening 'accidentally', even when it is likely to involve at least some degree of intention? Drawing on interviews conducted in England and Wales with lesbians and gay men who do not have children but may have them in the future, this article explores the meanings of the notion that, as a same-sex couple, 'you can't have a child by accident' - a comment that interviewees frequently made unprompted when they were asked about the possibility of becoming parents. My data show that referring to 'accidental parenthood' is a common way of distinguishing one's experience of early adulthood from that of heterosexual people, especially among white, middle-class lesbians. As a closer reading of the data also suggests, parenthood that arguably happens by accident is often neither unforeseen nor unfortunate, and its currency as a point of reference reveals a powerful cultural narrative. When a wide range of reproductive behaviours are often deemed irresponsible because of their broadly defined timing, describing a pregnancy as an accident obscures responsibility. I argue that, to a certain extent, the discourse of accidental parenthood can serve to prevent moral judgements about reproductive decisions. Consequently, however, the 'inability' to have a child by accident makes the prospect of creating a family not only more complicated but also subject to greater scrutiny.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Pralat
- Robert Pralat, Department of Sociology, University of Cambridge, 16 Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1SB, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lang AY, Hall JA, Boyle JA, Harrison CL, Teede H, Moran LJ, Barrett G. Validation of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy among pregnant Australian women. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220774. [PMID: 31393966 PMCID: PMC6687283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Globally, over half of pregnancies in developed countries are unplanned. Identifying and understanding the prevalence and complexity surrounding pregnancy preparation among Australian women is vital to enable sensitive, responsive approaches to addressing preconception and long-term health improvements for these women with varying motivation levels. Aim This study evaluated the reliability and validity of a comprehensive pregnancy planning/intention measure (London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy) in a population of pregnant women (over 18 years of age) in Australia. Methods A psychometric evaluation, within a cross-sectional study comprising cognitive interviews (to assess comprehension and acceptability) and a field test. Pregnant women aged over 18 years were recruited in early pregnancy (approximately 12 weeks’ gestation). Reliability (internal consistency) was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, corrected item-total correlations and inter-item correlations, and stability via a test-retest. Construct validity was assessed using principal components analysis and hypothesis testing. Results Six women participated in cognitive interviews and 317 in the field test. The London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy was acceptable and well comprehended. Reliability testing demonstrated good internal consistency (alpha = 0.81, all corrected item-total correlations >0.20, all inter-item correlations positive) and excellent stability (weighted kappa = 0.92). Validity testing confirmed the unidimensional structure of the measure and all hypotheses were confirmed. Conclusions The London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy is a valid and reliable measure of pregnancy planning/intention for the Australian population. Implementation of this measure into all maternity healthcare, research and policy settings will provide accurate population-level pregnancy planning estimates to inform, monitor and evaluate interventions to improve preconception health in Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adina Y. Lang
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Hall
- Research Department of Reproductive Health, UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline A. Boyle
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Cheryce L. Harrison
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helena Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa J. Moran
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geraldine Barrett
- Research Department of Reproductive Health, UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coombe J, Harris ML, Loxton D. Examining long-acting reversible contraception non-use among Australian women in their 20s: findings from a qualitative study. Cult Health Sex 2019; 21:822-836. [PMID: 30612512 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1519119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Australian women use less effective, short-term methods of contraception more often than any other method, despite the availability of much more effective long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Although research examining the low uptake of LARC among Australian women has increased over the past few years, we still know little about the factors influencing this phenomenon. Using data from semi-structured telephone interviews with 15 Australian women in their 20s, this paper explores contraceptive experience to better understand the non-use of LARC. Findings highlight the ubiquity of the use of the oral contraceptive pill and perceptions of LARC as a more serious contraceptive choice. Among participants, the intrauterine device (IUD) was viewed particularly unfavourably. Furthermore, LARC was shown to be only considered for use after dissatisfaction with shorter-term methods (usually the Pill) if at all. Overall, these findings suggest further education in dispelling myths and discomfort around LARC use, while simultaneously recognising and respecting women's decisions to not use LARC methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Coombe
- a Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Melissa L Harris
- a Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Deborah Loxton
- a Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle , Callaghan , New South Wales , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Villela WV, Lima RW, Brito CFD. The National Reproductive Health Programme in Cape Verde: scope, limits and challenges. Cien Saude Colet 2019; 23:3631-3636. [PMID: 30427436 DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320182311.32852016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cape Verde is an archipelago on the African coast, with 538,535 inhabitants living on nine islands. Since it gained independence in 1975, the country has experienced rapid economic and social growth, with significant gains in education as well as a reduction in maternal and infant mortality deaths. In 2001, following the guidelines of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD, Cairo, 1994), the National Reproductive Health Program (PNSR) was launched aiming to provide sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to adolescents, young people and adult men, in partnership with the education sector and youth centers. However, the continuance of unplanned pregnancies, illegal abortions and HIV infections has indicated that there are gaps in the program`s implementation. Studies conducted in the country point to socio-cultural aspects as well as aspects covering organizations and the services on offer, as some of the reasons for the identified problems. This paper aims to reflect on the scope and limits of the PNSR in Cape Verde with consideration being given to the challenges of implementing health policies that affect cultural practices related to gender and sexuality. Consideration is also given to the specifics of Cape Verde`s demographics, economic and cultural aspects as well as the importance of the SRH services to its development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilza Vieira Villela
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. R. Botucatu 740, Vila Clementino. 04023-062 São Paulo SP Brasil.
| | - Redy Wilson Lima
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Ciências Sociais, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Lisboa Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kirkman M, Apicella C, Graham J, Hickey M, Hopper JL, Keogh L, Winship I, Fisher J. Meanings of abortion in context: accounts of abortion in the lives of women diagnosed with breast cancer. BMC Womens Health 2017; 17:26. [PMID: 28381301 PMCID: PMC5382471 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-017-0383-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A breast cancer diagnosis and an abortion can each be pivotal moments in a woman's life. Research on abortion and breast cancer deals predominantly with women diagnosed during pregnancy who might be advised to have an abortion. The other-discredited but persistent-association is that abortions cause breast cancer. The aim here was to understand some of the ways in which women themselves might experience the convergence of abortion and breast cancer. METHODS Among 50 women recruited from the Australian Breast Cancer Family Study and interviewed in depth about what it meant to have a breast cancer diagnosis before the age of 41, five spontaneously told of having or contemplating an abortion. The transcripts of these five women were analysed to identify what abortion meant in the context of breast cancer, studying each woman's account as an individual "case" and interpreting it within narrative theory. RESULTS It was evident that each woman understood abortion as playing a different role in her life. One reported an abortion that she did not link to her cancer, the second was relieved not to have to abort a mid-treatment pregnancy, the third represented abortion as saving her life by making her cancer identifiable, the fourth grieved an abortion that had enabled her to begin chemotherapy, and the fifth believed that her cancer was caused by an earlier abortion. CONCLUSIONS The women's accounts illustrate the different meanings of abortion in women's lives, with concomitant need for diverse support, advice, and information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Kirkman
- Jean Hailes Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004 Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carmel Apicella
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jillian Graham
- Jean Hailes Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004 Australia
| | - Martha Hickey
- School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John L. Hopper
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise Keogh
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ingrid Winship
- School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane Fisher
- Jean Hailes Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004 Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|