Unplanned pregnancy and contraceptive use in women attending drug treatment services

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2012.01413.x
• Publication Date: 2012-02-16T02:45:36Z
• Authors: Kirsten I. Black; Christine Stephens; Paul S. Haber; Nicholas Lintzeris
• Keywords: Adult; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Middle Aged; Health Surveys; Buprenorphine; 3. Good health; Drug Users; Women's Health Services; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; 5. Gender equality; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Opiate Substitution Treatment; Humans; Female; 0305 other medical science; Contraception Behavior; Methadone

Background At an international level, there are calls for a greater focus on women and harm reduction in recognition that female drug users have unique set of issues not routinely assessed treatment programs. Aims To assess the pregnancy history, current risk contraceptive use nonpregnant attending opioid programs ( OTP s). Methods This study involved structured questionnaire survey 204 outpatient services within S ydney outh W est A rea H ealth ervice. Results Two hundred four 302 (67.5%) enroled s at time completed surveys. Key findings were high rates, with 28.9% reporting six or more pregnancies, rates adverse outcomes (miscarriage, termination stillbirth) compared national data poor uptake contraception, only 54.7% sexually active wanting to get pregnant using method. Women expressed diverse preferences type location women's health they felt would meet their needs. Conclusion clinics unaddressed reproductive issues, particularly around contraception. Addressing these will potentially minimise material deprivation social exclusion improve well‐being through control choice over fertility. Current service provision involves referral external services, but integrated model care may best address unmet needs women.