Barriers and enablers to postpartum contraception among Aboriginal Australian women: factors influencing contraceptive decisions
Sarah James A B E , Maree Toombs C D and Wendy Brodribb AA Discipline of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia.
B General Practice Training Queensland (GPTQ), 4 Tourist Road, East Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.
C Rural Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, c/o Centre for Health Sciences Research, Level 3, The Phoenix Building, The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.
D Carbal Medical Services, 18–29 Hannah Court, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: sathjames2@gmail.com
Australian Journal of Primary Health 24(3) 241-247 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY17041
Submitted: 30 March 2017 Accepted: 20 January 2018 Published: 7 May 2018
Abstract
This qualitative research obtained insights into factors influencing postpartum contraception use among Aboriginal women in southern Queensland. Seventeen women participated in focus groups or interviews from July to October 2015 at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Health Organisation. Data were analysed with open coding and thematic analysis. The results affirmed Aboriginal women want control over family planning. Participants indicated more could be done to improve health literacy and contraception uptake. A variety of family planning preferences were revealed, with an almost universal desire for increased access to postpartum contraception. Participants wanted information given antenatally and postnatally. Obtaining and using contraception were difficult for many. Social factors that hinder access such as shame, ideas surrounding women’s health, cultural disengagement, social isolation and using childbearing to control relationships were identified. The reproductive outcomes of Aboriginal women often do not reflect their preferences. A mandate exists to provide information about and access to postpartum contraception, empowering women with greater control over their reproductive practices. Health professionals can play a key role in dismantling barriers to autonomous family planning by offering information and resources both antenatally and postnatally.
Additional keywords: family planning services, Indigenous health services, primary health care, women’s health services.
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