Connecting Knowledge about Abortion and Sexual and Reproductive Health to Belief about Abortion Restrictions: Findings from an Online Survey

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e239-e247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan L. Kavanaugh ◽  
Danielle Bessett ◽  
Lisa L. Littman ◽  
Alison Norris
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health

The role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking behaviour amongst 1.5 generation migrants in Australia: A quantitative pilot study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinashe Dune ◽  
David Ayika ◽  
Jack Thepsourinthone ◽  
Virginia Mapedzahama ◽  
Zelalem Mengesha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
1.5 Generation ◽  
Cultural Connectedness ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour

Abstract Background: 1.5 generation migrants in Australia (those who migrate as children) often enter a new cultural and religious environment, with its own set of constructs of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), at a crucial time in their psychosexual development—puberty/adolescence. 1.5 generation migrants may thus have to contend with constructions of SRH from at least two cultures which may be at conflict on the matter. This study was designed to investigate the role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking behaviour amongst 1.5 generation migrants.Methods: 111 participants completed an online survey which included questions about their cultural connectedness, religion, sexual and reproductive health and help-seeking behaviour. Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyse the data. Results: There was no significant difference between ethnocultural groups or levels of cultural connectedness in relation to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking behaviours. The results do suggest differences between religious groups in regards to seeking help specifically from young peoples’ parents. Notably, youth who reported having ‘no religion’ were more likely to seek help with sexual and reproductive health matters from their parent(s). Conclusions: Managing cross-cultural experiences are often noted in extant literature as a barrier to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking. However, while cultural norms of migrants’ country of origin can remain strong it is religion that seems to have more of an impact on how 1.5 generation migrants seek help for SRH issues. This suggests that while 1.5 generation migrants may need to adapt to a new ethnocultural environment little about their religious beliefs or practices may require adaptation in Australia. Given that religion can play a role in young peoples’ sexual and reproductive health religious organisations are well placed to encourage young people’s help-seeking behaviours.

Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge of Postgraduate Students at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bupe Mwamba ◽  
Pat Mayers ◽  
Jawaya Shea
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Breast Examination ◽  
The University

Abstract BackgroundGlobally and in South Africa, university students’ knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is low. This study was conducted in response to the dearth of information about the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of postgraduate students. Research conducted to explore the SRH knowledge of undergraduate students suggests that the level of SRH knowledge among undergraduate students is low. The aim of this study was to determine the SRH knowledge of postgraduate students with regards to contraceptives, sexually transmitted illnesses (STI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Pap smear and clinical breast examination at University of Cape Town (UCT), in South Africa. MethodA cross sectional survey design was utilized, using an adapted and pretested online questionnaire. All postgraduate students enrolled in the first semester of 2017 (9444) were invited to anonymously complete the online survey.ResultsFour hundred and six (406) students completed the online survey, of whom 293 were female and 107 males. The age range of respondents was between 18 years and 57 years, with the median age for both male and female respondents being 24 years. Six survey responses were excluded from the statistical analysis because of incomplete data. Post graduate students from the African continent comprised 90.75% of the respondents. Most respondents were white (51.50%) from both Africa and abroad. The results indicated that respondents knew about sexually transmitted infections, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) & acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Female respondents were more aware of breast examination, and the role of Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear) in SRH. Almost half of the respondents in this study (49%) stated that they had no need for more information about contraceptives. Lecturers were identified as one of the top five sources of information, which suggests that the university environment provides students with important SRH-related information.ConclusionMost postgraduate students had knowledge of sexual and reproductive health with regards to contraception, Pap smear, clinical breast examination, STIs, HIV and AIDS. Further research should focus on the relationship between SRH knowledge and usage among this population. As university lecturers were identified as an important source of information across faculties, the University should consider the incorporation of SRH education in the broader curriculum and as an integral component of student health services.

scholarly journals Reducing Sexual and Reproductive Health Inequities Between Natives and Migrants: A Delphi Consensus for Sustainable Cross-Cultural Healthcare Pathways

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Candeias ◽  
Violeta Alarcão ◽  
Miodraga Stefanovska-Petkovska ◽  
Osvaldo Santos ◽  
Ana Virgolino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Delphi Consensus ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Governmental Organizations

The increasing number of international migrants (ranging from 153 million in 1990 to ~272 million in 2019) brought to attention the wide variation of national contexts concerning the policy measures to protect migrants' rights and ensuring their equal access to basic and essential services, namely in health. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is a key component to the overall health and quality of life and is impacted by power inequities inherent to society's institutions, environment, economics, and culture. In Portugal, guidelines for intervention in SRH are insufficient, a gap that is more pronounced with migrant populations due to the absence of culturally sensitive indicators to assess and monitor SRH. The aim of this work was 2-fold: to identify good practices in the SRH field, with a particular focus, whenever possible, on migrant populations, and to identify relevant and inclusive indicators to monitor SRH in Portugal. A Delphi panel (via online survey) with 66 experts (researchers, teachers, and health professionals) and 16 stakeholders (non-governmental organizations, civil society, and governmental organizations) was implemented in two rounds. Panelists were asked to state their level of agreement (5-point Likert-type scale) regarding four different SRH areas: Sexual Health, Reproductive Health, Social-Structural Factors, and Good Practices. Items were based on literature review and a World Café with 15 experts and stakeholders. Participation rate was 68% and response rate was 97% on the first round. From the initial list of 142 items, a total of 118 (83%) items were approved by consensus. Findings may provide extended opportunities for the healthcare system to engage in better informed decisions and more inclusive and integrative strategies regarding SRH, contributing to build political measures toward sexual and reproductive justice.

scholarly journals The Role of Culture and Religion on Sexual and Reproductive Health Indicators and Help-Seeking Attitudes amongst 1.5 Generation Migrants in Australia: A Quantitative Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1341
Author(s):  
Tinashe Dune ◽  
David Ayika ◽  
Jack Thepsourinthone ◽  
Virginia Mapedzahama ◽  
Zelalem Mengesha
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Help Seeking Attitudes ◽  
1.5 Generation ◽  
Cultural Connectedness ◽  
Significant Difference

In Australia, 1.5 generation migrants (those who migrated as children) often enter a new cultural and religious environment, with its own set of constructs of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), at a crucial time in their psychosexual development—puberty/adolescence. Therefore, 1.5 generation migrants may thus have to contend with constructions of SRH from at least two cultures which may be at conflict on the matter. This study was designed to investigate the role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking amongst 1.5 generation migrants. An online survey was completed by 111 participants who answered questions about their cultural connectedness, religion, sexual and reproductive health and help-seeking. Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyse the data. There was no significant difference between ethnocultural groups or levels of cultural connectedness in relation to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking attitudes. The results do suggest differences between religious groups in regard to seeking help specifically from participants’ parents. Notably, participants who reported having ‘no religion’ were more likely to seek help with sexual and reproductive health matters from their parent(s). Managing cross-cultural experiences is often noted in the extant literature as a barrier to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking. However, while cultural norms of migrants’ country of origin can remain strong, it is religion that seems to have more of an impact on how 1.5 generation migrants seek help for SRH issues. The findings suggest that 1.5 generation migrants may not need to adapt their religious beliefs or practices, despite entering a new ethnocultural environment. Given that religion can play a role in the participants’ sexual and reproductive health, religious organizations are well-placed to encourage young migrants to adopt help-seeking attitudes.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the effects of COVID-19 among the youth in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evalin Karijo ◽  
Sylvia Wamugi ◽  
Samuel Lemanyishoe ◽  
Jenny Njuki ◽  
Faith Boit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
First Case

Abstract Background Cases of the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in Kenya have continued to increase rapidly, since the first case in the country was confirmed in March 2020. In the wake of the pandemic, the health and socio-economic challenges experienced by the youth in Kenya are likely to be elevated. We assessed knowledge, practices, perceived risk of infection, adoption of recommended behaviour and the effects of COVID-19 among the youth in Kenya. Methods A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted between April 30th to May 7th, 2020 through a combined online survey and phone interviews. A total of 2156 youth across all 47 counties in Kenya completed the responses to the study questions. All survey responses analyzed using Stata version 15 were tabulated by gender, age, and education level to generate basic descriptive tables and tested for differences by category using chi-square tests. Where applicable, linear and logistic regression analysis model was conducted using covariates such as employment status, gender, and education level. Results Knowledge on symptoms of COVID-19 was generally high. Female respondents were more likely to identify more symptoms correctly compared to men (p < 0.001). However, youth reported very low levels of anyone being at risk of infection (7.1%). Most youth have adopted behavior necessary to slow down the infection. There were generally very low reported levels of inability to access health services related to sexual and reproductive health. About 50.0% of respondents reported significant decline in income during the pandemic period, nearly a third reported living in fear while 26.5% reported feeling stressed. Conclusion There was high knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, preventive strategies, and high adoption of preventive practices. Strategies to sustain behaviors positively adopted among young people will be critical to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Despite the low reported rates of inability to access sexual and reproductive health, response measures should include strategies that facilitate continuity of services among young people. The reported social effects of the pandemic show the need for interventions to meet the health and socio-economic needs of the youth and minimize the long-term consequences of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Love during lockdown: findings from an online survey examining the impact of COVID-19 on the sexual health of people living in Australia

2020 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054688
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Coombe ◽  
Fabian Yuh Shiong Kong ◽  
Helen Bittleston ◽  
Henrietta Williams ◽  
Jane Tomnay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Dating Apps ◽  
First Case ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Sex Toys ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionAustralia recorded its first case of COVID-19 in late January 2020. On 22P March 2020, amid increasing daily case numbers, the Australian Government implemented lockdown restrictions to help ‘flatten the curve’. Our study aimed to understand the impact of lockdown restrictions on sexual and reproductive health. Here we focus on sexual practices.MethodsAn online survey was open from the 23PP April 2020 to 11P May 2020. Participants were recruited online via social media and other networks and were asked to report on their sexual practices in 2019 and during lockdown. Logistic regression was used to calculate the difference (diff) (including 95% CIs) in the proportion of sex practices between time periods.ResultsOf the 1187 who commenced the survey, 965 (81.3%) completed it. Overall, 70% were female and 66.3% were aged 18–29 years. Most (53.5%) reported less sex during lockdown than in 2019. Compared with 2019, participants were more likely to report sex with a spouse (35.3% vs 41.7%; diff=6.4%; 95% CI 3.6 to 9.2) and less likely to report sex with a girl/boyfriend (45.1% vs 41.8%; diff=−3.3%; 95% CI −7.0 to -0.4) or with casual hook-up (31.4% vs 7.8%; 95% CI −26.9 to -19.8). Solo sex activities increased; 14.6% (123/840) reported using sex toys more often and 26.0% (218/838) reported masturbating more often. Dating app use decreased during lockdown compared with 2019 (42.1% vs 27.3%; diff= −14.8%; 95% CI −17.6 to -11.9). Using dating apps for chatting/texting (89.8% vs 94.5%; diff=4.7%; 95% CI 1.0 to 8.5) and for setting up virtual dates (2.6% vs 17.2%; diff=14.6%; 95% CI 10.1 to 19.2) increased during lockdown.ConclusionAlthough significant declines in sexual activity during lockdown were reported, people did not completely stop engaging in sexual activities, highlighting the importance of ensuring availability of normal sexual and reproductive health services during global emergencies.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the reproductive health of people living in Australia: findings from an online survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Coombe ◽  
Fabian Kong ◽  
Helen Bittleston ◽  
Hennie Williams ◽  
Jane Tomnay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Pill ◽  
Pregnancy Intentions ◽  
Single Method ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experience Difficulty

Introduction: Australia introduced lockdown measures to control COVID-19 on 22 March 2020. For two months, Australians were asked to remain at home and only leave for essential activities. We investigate the impact this had on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Methods: Australians aged 18+ were eligible to participate in an online survey from 23 April-11 May 2020. Questions included contraceptive use, pregnancy intentions and access to SRH services. We report on the experiences of 518 female participants aged <50 years. Pregnancy intentions and contraceptive use were analysed using descriptive statistics. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to investigate difficulty accessing SRH products and services. Qualitative data were analysed using descriptive thematic analysis. Results: Most participants (55.4%, 287/518) were aged 18-24 years. Most (76.1%, 379/498) indicated they were trying to avoid pregnancy. The oral contraceptive pill was the most common single method used (20.8%; 107/514). Nearly 20% (101/514) reported they were not using contraception. Older women (OR=0.4; 95%CI: 0.1, 0.9 for 25-34 vs 18-24 years) and those employed (OR=0.4; 95%CI: 0.2, 0.7) had less trouble accessing contraception during lockdown. Women aged 25-34 (OR=0.4; 95%CI: 0.3, 0.7) or 35-49 years (OR=0.3; 95%CI: 0.1, 0.6) were less likely to experience difficulty accessing feminine hygiene products. Qualitative analysis suggested that COVID-19 affected pregnancy plans, with participants delaying childbearing, or deciding to remain childfree. Conclusion: COVID-19 lockdown impacted the SRH of Australian women. Findings highlight the importance of continued access to SRH services and products during global emergencies.

scholarly journals Sexual and reproductive health information and referrals for resettled refugee women: A survey of resettlement agencies in the United States

PLoS Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. e1003579
Author(s):  
Tonya Katcher ◽  
Rebecca Thimmesch ◽  
Alison Spitz ◽  
Leena Kulkarni ◽  
Neelima Panth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Refugee Resettlement ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Refugee Women ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy

Background Refugee resettlement offices are the first point of contact for newly arrived refugees and play a significant role in helping refugees acclimate and settle into life in the United States. Available literature suggests that refugee women are vulnerable to poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, including sexually transmitted infections and HIV infections as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes, but little is known about the role that refugee resettlement offices play in supporting refugee women’s SRH. This study examines the capacity and interest of resettlement offices in providing SRH information and referrals to newly arrived refugees. Methods and findings The research team conducted an online survey of staff members at refugee resettlement offices throughout the US in 2018 to determine (1) available SRH resources and workshops; (2) referrals to and assistance with making appointments for SRH and primary care appointments; (3) barriers to addressing SRH needs of clients; and (4) interest in building the capacity of office staff to address SRH issues. The survey was created for this study and had not been previously used or validated. Survey data underwent descriptive analysis. A total of 236 resettlement offices were contacted, with responses from 100 offices, for a total response rate of 42%. Fifteen percent (N = 15) of refugee resettlement agencies (RRAs) who responded to the survey provide materials about SRH to clients, and 49% (N = 49) incorporate sexual health into the classes they provide to newly arrived refugee clients. Moreover, 12% (N = 12) of responding RRAs screen clients for pregnancy intention, and 20% (N = 20) directly refer to contraceptive care and services. This study is limited by the response rate of the survey; no conclusions can be drawn about those offices that did not respond. In addition, the survey instrument was not validated against any other sources of information about the practices of refugee resettlement offices. Conclusions In this study, we observed that many resettlement offices do not routinely provide information or referrals for SRH needs. Responding offices cite lack of time and competing priorities as major barriers to providing SRH education and referrals to clients.

The Use of a Nonprobability Internet Panel to Monitor Sexual and Reproductive Health in the General Population

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 314-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Legleye ◽  
Géraldine Charrance ◽  
Nicolas Razafindratsima ◽  
Nathalie Bajos ◽  
Aline Bohet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Increase Response Rate ◽  
Sociodemographic Variables ◽  
Two Samples

Background: Reliability of nonprobability online volunteer panels for epidemiological purposes has rarely been studied. Objectives: To assess the quality of a questionnaire on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) administered in a nonprobability Web panel and in a random telephone survey ( n = 8,992; n = 8,437, age 16–49 years). Especially, we were interested in the possible difference in the association of sociodemographic variables and some outcome variables in the two surveys that are in the reliability of analytical epidemiological studies conducted in such panels. Methods: Interventions to increase response rate were used in both surveys (four e-mail reminders, high number of call attempts and callbacks to refusals). Both were calibrated on the census population. Sociodemographic composition, effects of reminders, and prevalence were compared to their telephone counterpart. In addition, the associations of sociodemographic and sexual behaviors were compared in the two samples in multivariate logistic regressions. Results: The online survey had a lower response rate (20.0 percent vs. 44.8 percent) and a more distorted sociodemographic structure although the reminders improved the representativeness as did the analogous interventions on the telephone survey. Prevalences of SRH variables were similar for the common behaviors but higher online for the stigmatized behaviors, depending on gender. Overall, 29 percent of the 63 interactions studied were significant for males and 11 percent for women, although opposite effects of sociodemographic variables were rare (5 percent of the 171 tested for each gender). Conclusion: Nonprobability online panels are to be used with caution to monitor SRH and conduct analytical epidemiological studies, especially among men.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the effects of COVID-19 among the youth in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evalin Karijo ◽  
Sylvia Wamugi ◽  
Samuel Lemanyishoe ◽  
Jenny Njuki ◽  
Faith Boit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
First Case

Abstract Background: Cases of the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in Kenya have continued to increase rapidly, since the first case in the country was confirmed in March 2020. In the wake of the pandemic, the health and socio-economic challenges experienced by the youth in Kenya are likely to be elevated. We assessed knowledge, practices, perceived risk, adoption of recommended behaviour and the effects of COVID-19 among the youth in Kenya.Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted between April 30th to May 7th, 2020 through a combined online survey and phone interviews. A total of 2,156 youth across all 47 counties in Kenya completed the responses to the study questions. All survey responses analyzed using STATA v15 were tabulated by gender, age, and education level to generate basic descriptive tables and tested for differences by category using chi-square tests. Where applicable, linear and logistic regression analysis model was conducted using covariates such as employment status, gender, and education level. Results: Knowledge on symptoms of COVID-19 was generally high. Female respondents were more likely to identify more symptoms correctly compared to men; p<0.001. However, youth reported very low levels of anyone being at risk of infection (7%). Most youth have adopted behavior necessary to slow down the infection. There were generally very low reported levels of inability to access health services related to sexual and reproductive health. About 50% of respondents reported significant decline in income during the pandemic period, nearly a third reported living in fear while 27% reported feeling stressed. Conclusion: There was high knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, preventive strategies, and high adoption of preventive practices. Strategies to sustain behaviors positively adopted among young people will be critical to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Despite low reported rates of inability to access sexual and reproductive health, response measures should include strategies that facilitate continuity of services among young people. The reported social effects of the pandemic show the need for interventions to meet the health and socioeconomic needs of the youth and minimize the long-term consequences of the pandemic.

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