'Every strategy needs to be contributing to erasing the stigma': Maori and Pacific young people talk about overcoming barriers to testing for sexually transmitted infections.

BACKGROUND: Maori and Pacific young people are disproportionately impacted by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Access to STI screening is important to reduce transmission and reproductive health complications. METHODS: Between November 2022 and May 2023, we held four wananga (workshops) with Maori and Pacific participants (15-24years old) to find out what barriers they encounter to STI testing, and hear their ideas about how to overcome these. Participants were recruited via youth-focused community organisations in the Wellington region of Aotearoa New Zealand. Inductive thematic analysis was used to understand data generated from discussions, drawing on Maori and Pacific models of wellbeing to frame themes. RESULTS: Thirty-eight participants were involved in the wananga. Barriers to STI testing related to five themes: (1) differences in cultural values and expression; (2) family/friends; (3) educational gaps; (4) psychological factors; and (5) structural obstacles. Suggested strategies to improve access to sexual health care included the need for free, flexible services, education and health promotion activities to reach young people in their spaces (e.g. church, marae, social media). Participants stressed the need for approaches to be community-based, delivered by trusted individuals using culturally appropriate messages, and saw participation in STI testing as beneficial for whanau/family and communities. CONCLUSIONS: To improve access to STI testing, participants described the need for free services, together with education and health promotion to improve inter-generational sexual health knowledge. Reframing messages around STIs to align with Maori and Pacific models of wellbeing was identified as a way to normalise conversations, in turn reducing the stigma surrounding STI testing.

Fifth year medical students' education, confidence and learning needs related to healthcare provision for sexual and gender minority patients: a cross-sectional survey.

Introduction Education on health care for patients with diverse sexual orientation, sex characteristics and gender identities is lacking in Aotearoa's medical schools. Aim This study surveyed fifth-year medical students at the University of Otago Wellington (UOW) about confidence in providing health care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) patients to identify learning needs. Methods This anonymous cross-sectional survey was designed with input from an advisory group (community members, education, research and subject matter experts). It was administered on paper during class, using Likert scales (level of agreement) and open-ended questions. All fifth-year medical students at the UOW campus were invited to participate in May 2021. Data were analysed in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation) and free-text comments were analysed using template analysis. Results In total, 74.7% (71/95) of students completed a survey. Participants lacked knowledge and confidence in their consultation skills with LGBTQIA+ patients and did not feel they had enough teaching in this area. Most (≥78.8%) were comfortable with common terms, but half or fewer could explain intersex, gender affirmation and Takatapui. Free-text comments revealed learning needs relating to consultation skills, ways to approach this topic with sensitivity, and a desire to learn more about the cultural context. Discussion Medical students view LGBTQIA+ health care as an important topic and want opportunities to improve knowledge and confidence in this area. Students lack confidence in consulting with LGBTQIA+ patients, suggesting that more education focused on practical experience and interactions with real patients would be of benefit.

"It was a very awkward consultation because I didn't know"-general practice staff experiences and challenges in providing healthcare to gender and sexual minority youth in Aotearoa New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: Rainbow young people (RYP; people of diverse genders, sexualities, and variations in sex characteristics) face barriers accessing primary care, often report negative experiences and the need to educate clinicians on rainbow-specific issues. This study explores general practice staff views and experiences of providing care to RYP. METHODS: Three focus groups were held with staff from 5 general practices in an urban area of Aotearoa New Zealand (25 participants in total). Practices were purposively selected to include some known to be more "rainbow-friendly" seeing larger numbers of RYP and some with no particular focus on RYP. All members of each practice were invited to participate, including administration and reception staff. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed in NVivo using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: (i) Practice experience, (ii) Feeling awkward, (iii) Knowledge and training, and (iv) Structural barriers. Differences were apparent in health provider knowledge, comfort, and experience in providing care to RYP. Participants identified a lack of knowledge and training and wanted more resources and education. Systems limitations were common (e.g. with IT systems for recording gender) and often contributed to awkward clinical encounters. CONCLUSIONS: Participants recognized shortcomings in their training, knowledge, and level of confidence providing care to RYP and expressed a desire to improve their competency. Further work is needed to identify and trial practical strategies that help improve communication skills, knowledge, and the delivery of more equitable healthcare to RYP.

Experience of telehealth for receipt of primary health care: an online survey of young people in a geographic region of Aotearoa New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth became more widely used when the global COVID-19 pandemic restricted access to in-person consultations for primary care during periods of 'lockdown'. METHODS: In 2021 (August-September), 15-to 25-year-olds in the Wellington region of Aotearoa New Zealand were invited to participate in an online survey that aimed to find out about telehealth experiences, perceived advantages and disadvantages, and willingness to use it for receipt of primary care. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 346 participants, 133 of whom had ever used telehealth (38%). Overall, 73% (84/115) were happy with health care received via telehealth, but only 26% preferred it to in-person consultations. Perceived benefits related to convenience and time efficiency, but participants had concerns about the inability to be physically examined, technological issues, clarity around follow-up actions, payment and lack of privacy. All participants had access to a phone or device, yet almost half reported challenges with connectivity, coverage or data that might limit their ability to access telehealth (47.3%, 159/336). Half of participants wanted to use telehealth in future (preferring phone over video (160/315)). CONCLUSIONS: Young people surveyed acknowledged the convenience of telehealth, but many were hesitant about receiving primary care in this way. Understanding young people's reservations and provision of detailed information about what telehealth entails will help prepare and support them to use telehealth in future.

Young people talk about primary care and telehealth: A survey of 15- to 25-year olds in the Wellington region of New Zealand.

Young people are known to face challenges when accessing healthcare and generally have low rates of health service utilisation. Use of telehealth might be one way to improve access, but evidence is needed from young people as to how acceptable it is. This online survey of 15- to 25-year olds in the greater Wellington region of New Zealand sought young people's views on telehealth (phone and videocalls) as a means of accessing primary care. The survey included both forced-choice questions and free-text options. We report here on the free-text data from open-ended questions that were qualitatively analysed using template analysis. A total of 346 participants took part between August 6 and September 21, 2021, of whom 60% were female, 12% Maori (indigenous) ethnicity, and 38% had used telehealth methods of consulting previously. Analysis was undertaken of the free-text comments that were provided by 132 participants (38%). Although those contributing comments described both benefits and drawbacks to using telehealth, more drawbacks were cited, with specific examples given to illustrate a range of concerns and potential limitations of telehealth including privacy, communication difficulties and compromised quality of care. Participants thought telehealth could be used successfully in specific situations, for example by people concerned about leaving the house due to anxiety, illness or being immunocompromised and for simple consultations or when the person knows exactly what they need. Respondents expressed a strong desire to be offered the choice between in-person and telehealth consultations. Providing young people with a choice of consultation mode together with clear information about all aspects of a telehealth consultation is important if clinicians want young people to engage with this method of primary care service delivery.

Experience of Sexual Healthcare by Maori and Non-Maori Young People: An Online Survey of 15-24 Year Olds in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Objectives: To understand young people's expectations of, and experience with sexual healthcare in New Zealand. Methods: Online survey of 15-24 year olds in a region with high socioeconomic deprivation, with selected outcomes compared for Maori and Europeans. Results: Of 500 respondents, 60% had received sexual healthcare (74.3% in general practice) and 81% were happy with care received. Fewer Maori and people not in education, employment, or training reported positive experiences of sexual healthcare on arrival and in the consultation. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for equitable delivery of youth-friendly, culturally safe, sexual and reproductive healthcare in general practice settings.

'Be nice to us, we're still learning': an online survey of young people in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, about unmet need for sexual health care and improving access to services.

Background Young people need equitable access to high-quality sexual and reproductive health care to enjoy good sexual health. Methods This online survey of people aged 15-24years in a defined region of New Zealand asked about unmet need for sexual health care and sought views on improving access to sexual health care. Results Fivehundred participants took part in the study between August and October 2020, of whom 60% were female, 25% were of Maori (indigenous) ethnicity, and 21.4% were gender and/or sexuality diverse. Sixty percent had ever received sexual health care (300/500), and 74.3% received it from a general practice clinic (223/300). Overall, 41% (204/500) reported they needed, but had not received sexual health care in the past ('unmet need'). Reasons for unmet need included being shy, embarrassed or ashamed (74.5%, 152/204), fear of judgment by clinic staff (42.6%, 87/204), cost (32.8%, 67/204), concerns about confidentiality (28.9%, 59/204), and not knowing where to go (24%, 49/204). Maori participants were more likely to report not knowing where to go (32.1% vs 20%, P=0.04). Participants identified the need to reduce stigma, normalise sexual health care, improve convenience, affordability and awareness of services as key to improving access. Reassurance about confidentiality and being treated with kindness, empathy and respect were deemed critical to service acceptability. Conclusions Action is urgently needed at policy, funding and practice levels to improve access to services by: reducing societal stigma, normalising discussions around sexual health, improving affordability and raising awareness of services. Quality improvement is also needed in general practice to ensure young people can routinely access youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health care.

Improving management of sexually transmitted infections in primary care: feasibility and acceptability of a new patient management tool for clinicians.

INTRODUCTION Routinely following an evidence-based clinical pathway of care for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea is important to help reduce the spread of infections, prevent reinfections and avoid associated health complications. AIM To develop an easy-to-use tool for routine use by primary care clinicians to ensure best practice management of patients tested for and diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhoea. METHODS The tool (a MedTech Advanced Form) was developed in consultation with seven primary care clinicians and included different tabs for use during the STI care pathway (testing, treatment, advice, partner notification and follow up) with clickable links to relevant online resources. The tool was trialled over 3 months by 19 clinicians in three Wellington primary care clinics - two youth health and a student health service. Outcome measures were frequency of use, completeness of fields related to best practice care and clinician acceptance of the tool (from focus group feedback). RESULTS The tool was used for approximately one in four patients who were tested during the trial period, with 'forgetting' reported as the most common reason for non-use. Clinician views about the tool were favourable, with most indicating they would like to continue use and would recommend it to colleagues. Documentation of best practice care was excellent; fields to record reasons for testing, discussion of sexual history, provision of treatment and advice given were used for most patients for whom the form was completed. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of this STI management tool in the electronic patient records system appeared to improve primary care clinicians' delivery and documentation of best practice sexual health care at a practice level. Wider use of a modified version of this tool could facilitate more comprehensive best practice management of bacterial STIs.

Access to sexual healthcare during New Zealand's COVID-19 lockdown: cross-sectional online survey of 15-24-year-olds in a high deprivation region.

BACKGROUND: New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic involved a nationwide stay-at-home lockdown in March-April 2020 that restricted access to primary healthcare services. METHODS: An online survey of 15-24-year-olds in a high deprivation region of New Zealand asked about the need for, and receipt of, sexual healthcare during lockdown. Experience of telehealth and preferences for future receipt of sexual healthcare were also explored. Social media advertising was used to recruit participants over five weeks in August and October 2020. RESULTS: The survey sample included 500 respondents comprising 58.8% females, 25.4% Maori (indigenous) ethnicity and 21.4% LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex +) young people. During lockdown, 22.2% of respondents reported sexual health needs (111/500), but fewer than half this group got help (45%, 50/111), believing their issue could wait, or due to barriers contacting services and lack of information about service availability. Experience of telehealth consultations (by 28/50 participants) was mostly favourable though only 46% agreed it was easier than going to the clinic. Telehealth methods were the preferred option by some participants for future receipt of sexual healthcare; but for most scenarios suggested, respondents favoured in-person clinic visits. CONCLUSIONS: Young people experienced unmet need for sexual healthcare during lockdown in New Zealand, but not because services were unavailable. Findings point to the need for targeted information dissemination to young people about available services and the importance of seeking help during lockdown. More research is needed to understand the advantages and disadvantages of sexual healthcare delivered via telehealth to inform future service provision.

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Retesting and Reinfection Rates in New Zealand Health Care Settings: Implications for Sexually Transmitted Infection Control.

BACKGROUND: Reinfection with chlamydia or gonorrhea is common and can lead to significant reproductive health complications so testing for reinfection after treatment is recommended. This study described retesting and reinfection rates in regions of New Zealand with higher-than-average population rates of chlamydia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed chlamydia and gonorrhea testing data from 2 laboratories providing community testing services for 4 higher-rate regions in the North Island of New Zealand. Three years of data were obtained (2015-2017) to include a minimum of 6-month follow-up for all individuals. Retesting and reinfection rates between 6 weeks and 6 months of a positive result were calculated, and time to retesting was plotted using Kaplan-Meier curves. Logistic regression modeling was used to determine the odds of retesting (outcome 1) and reinfection (outcome 2) between 6 weeks and 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 34% (3151/9241) of the cohort was retested within the recommended period, of whom 21% retested positive. Significant differences were observed in the odds of retesting by sex, age band, ethnic group, clinic type, and region (P < 0.01). The odds of a subsequent positive on retesting within 6 months differed significantly by sex, age band, and ethnic group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings reflect substantial gaps in the delivery of best-practice sexually transmitted infection management in New Zealand. There is a clear need to prioritize the implementation of clinic-level processes to support clinicians in the routine delivery of best-practice sexual health care. These should include routine provision of patient advice about retesting and strategies to promote timely and equitable access to retesting.

Clinician education, advice and SMS/text reminders improve test of reinfection rates following diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae: before and after study in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidelines for the management of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae recommend testing for reinfection 3-6 months following treatment, but retesting rates are typically low. METHODS: Participants included six primary care clinics taking part in a pilot study of strategies designed to improve partner notification, follow-up and testing for reinfection. Rates of retesting between 6 weeks and 6 months of a positive chlamydia or gonorrhoea diagnosis were compared across two time periods: (1) a historical control period (no systematic approach to retesting) and (2) during an intervention period involving clinician education, patient advice about reinfection risk reduction and retesting, and short messaging service/text reminders sent 2-3 months post-treatment inviting return for retesting. Retesting was calculated for demographic subgroups (reported with 95% CI). RESULTS: Overall 25.4% (61 of 240, 95% CI 20.0 to 31.4) were retested during the control period and 47.9% (116 of 242, 95% CI 43.2 to 55.1) during the intervention period. Retesting rates increased across most demographic groups, with at least twofold increases observed for men, those aged 20-29 years old, and Maori and Pasifika ethnic groups. No significant difference was observed in repeat positivity rates for the two time periods, 18% (11 of 61) retested positive during the control and 16.4% (19 of 116) during the intervention period (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clinician and patient information about retesting and a more systematic approach to follow-up resulted in significant increases in proportions tested for reinfection within 6 months. These simple strategies could readily be implemented into primary healthcare settings to address low rates of retesting for bacterial sexually transmitted infections. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12616000837426.

Addressing Gaps in the Management of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Primary Care: Lessons Learned in a Pilot Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to test the acceptability and utility of strategies designed to facilitate the delivery of clinical best practice for patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea in primary care. METHODS: A nonrandomized pilot intervention study with a historic control period was run over 9 months in six primary health care clinics (2 youth services, 3 low-fee clinics, and 1 student health service) in Wellington, New Zealand. "Study nurses" in participating clinics oversaw the implementation of strategies designed to facilitate partner notification and follow-up for patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea. Clinics chose which of 2 approaches they wished to trial-either managing all study processes themselves or drawing on the assistance of an external specialist sexual health advisor. Outcome measures included acceptability and utility of study processes ascertained via structured interviews with study nurses and collection of clinical data. RESULTS: Outcomes for 287 patients seen during the intervention were compared with 240 historic controls. Participant views on study processes were positive overall, and all clinics intended to continue all or most of the study processes implemented. During the intervention, substantial improvements were observed in documented patient management (sexual history, partner notification, and outcomes, P < 0.05). Increases were observed in percentages of patients reached for follow-up (74% vs. 26% at baseline, P < 0.05) and partners reported to have been notified (79% vs. 23%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led strategies implemented were deemed acceptable and appeared to facilitate delivery of best practice care for patients diagnosed with bacterial sexually transmitted infections in participating primary care practices.

Partner notification and retesting for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a case-note review in New Zealand primary care.

INTRODUCTION Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) contribute to a significant burden of ill-health despite being easy to diagnose and treat. STI management guidelines provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance on best-practice case management. AIM To determine the extent of adherence to STI management guidelines for partner notification, follow up and testing for reinfection following diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. METHODS Retrospective review of electronic patient records for individuals diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhoea in eight primary care clinics in Wellington, New Zealand. At each clinic, 40 clinical records were reviewed (320 in total). Outcome measures were: overall numbers (%) of cases with documented evidence of reason for testing, sexual history, treatment, advice, partner notification and follow up. Partner notification outcomes were: n (%) with evidence of partner notification discussion and n (%) with partners advised, tested and treated. Proportions retested between 6 weeks and 6 months and n (%) positive on retesting were also determined. RESULTS Presenting features and treatment were generally well documented. Recent sexual history including number of partners was documented for half of cases reviewed (159/320). Partner notification discussion was documented for 74% (237/320) of cases, but only 24.4% (78/320) had documentation on numbers of partners notified and 17% (54/320) on numbers of partners treated. Testing for reinfection between 6 weeks and 6 months occurred for 24.7% (79/320), of whom 19% (15/79) re-tested positive. CONCLUSIONS This research suggests there are gaps in important aspects of patient care following bacterial STI diagnosis - a factor that may be perpetuating our high rates of infection. A more systematic approach will be needed to ensure people diagnosed with an STI receive the full cycle of care in line with best practice guidelines.

Chlamydia testing and diagnosis following initiation of long-acting reversible contraception: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) effectively protects against pregnancy but provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). AIM: To compare rates of chlamydia testing and diagnosis for women initiating long-acting versus oral contraception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study involving data collection for 6160 women initiating post-abortion contraception at a large New Zealand regional public hospital abortion clinic (2009-2012), with chlamydia testing data obtained from the local laboratory during two-year follow up. Negative binomial regression modelling examined the effect of contraceptive method on two outcome measures: chlamydia testing and chlamydia diagnosis (adjusting for potential covariates of age, ethnicity, past chlamydia infection, pregnancy history) in year one and two of follow up. RESULTS: Two thousand seven hundred and twenty nine women (44%) received a LARC and 1764 (28.6%) were prescribed oral contraception. Adjusted testing rates differed by contraceptive method only in year one (P < 0.01): with higher rates among copper intrauterine device users (relative risk (RR) 1.2, 95% CI 1.06-1.35), and lower rates for implant users (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.99) compared with oral contraceptive users (reference group). No significant differences were observed in chlamydia diagnosis rates by contraceptive method (P > 0.05). Younger age, past chlamydia infection, Maori and Pacific ethnicity were associated with higher rates of chlamydia diagnosis (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Known STI-related risk factors (age, ethnicity, past infection) but not contraceptive method were independently related to rates of subsequent chlamydia diagnosis. This suggests that increased LARC uptake would not occur at the expense of chlamydia control. Regular screening and risk reduction advice (including condom use) are important chlamydia control measures for at-risk groups.

Retesting and repeat positivity following diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea in New Zealand: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Testing for reinfection at 3 to 6 months following treatment for Chlamydia Trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoea is recommended in best practice sexual health management guidelines. This study aimed to describe rates of retesting and repeat positivity following diagnosis of chlamydia or gonorrhoea in a defined geographic region of New Zealand. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study in Wellington, New Zealand involving analysis of laboratory data for chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests performed in primary care and sexual health clinics (July 2012-July 2015). OUTCOME MEASURES: rate of retesting and rate of repeat positivity 6 weeks to 6 months after a positive result (index event). Kaplan-Meier curves were used to plot time from first index event to retest. Logistic regression modelling was used to determine the odds of retesting and repeat positivity between 6 weeks and 6 months of follow-up, adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation). RESULTS: Overall 29.4% (1919/6530) of the cohort was retested between 6 weeks and 6 months, with 18% (347/1919) of those retested returning positive results. Lower odds of retesting were observed for males (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.34-0.48), and individuals of NZ Maori (OR 0.72, 0.61-0.85) and Pacific ethnicities (OR 0.49, 0.39-0.62, reference European). Factors associated with higher odds of repeat positivity on retesting included male gender (OR 2.0, 1.14-2.82), age 15-19 years (OR 1.78, 1.32-2.41, reference 20-24 years), chlamydia/gonorrhoea co-infection (OR 2.39, 1.32-4.35, reference chlamydia only), Maori (OR 1.6, 1.18-2.17) and Pacific ethnicities (OR 1.88, 1.22-2.9, reference European). CONCLUSIONS: We observed low adherence to STI retesting guidelines, and marked gender and ethnic disparities in rates of retesting and repeat positivity. Low retesting rates are suggestive of low levels of awareness of this aspect of patient management, and an absence of a systematic approach to retesting. High rates of repeat positivity reinforce the importance of advising patients about reducing their risk of reinfection, including notification and treatment of all recent sexual partners. Greater priority needs to be placed on increasing retesting and reducing rates of reinfection, with strategies implemented to improve these important aspects of patient care and population STI control.

Overcoming challenges associated with partner notification following chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosis in primary care: a postal survey of doctors and nurses.

INTRODUCTION Sexual health guidelines recommend that partner notification and testing for reinfection are undertaken when individuals are diagnosed with bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). AIM To understand factors influencing the effective delivery of partner notification and follow up after diagnosis of STIs in primary care, and to identify strategies that might facilitate these processes. METHODS A postal survey was sent to 216 primary care doctors and nurses working in 72 Wellington primary care settings. Eligible clinicians were identified from laboratory testing data, and included clinicians who had diagnosed relatively high numbers of chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea cases during a 12-month period. Response frequencies were tabulated and chi-squared testing was used to test for significant differences between doctor and nurse responses for selected items. RESULTS In total, 121 surveys were completed (56% response rate) by 78 doctors and 43 nurses, from 55 primary care settings (76% of sites surveyed). Responding health professionals thought that patients were open to partner notification discussion, but appreciated that this sometimes raised difficult issues for patients. Lack of time or resources to follow up, and difficulty getting hold of patients, were cited as key factors that limit assessment of partner notification success. Factors deemed likely to facilitate partner notification included readily available patient resources, training to upskill practice team members, guidance on what to say and record, and access to external advice and assistance. DISCUSSION This study provides insight into provider- and patient-level factors perceived to be hindering successful partner notification. Strategies that could facilitate partner notification were identified, and suggestions made as to how these could be integrated into practice.

Regional variation in postabortion initiation of long-acting reversible contraception in New Zealand.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is regional variation in the immediate postabortion initiation of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in New Zealand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of nationally collected data on receipt of intrauterine and implantable contraception at the time of an abortion, together with demographic characteristics and region of residence for the year 2013. RESULTS: Postabortion LARC initiation varied significantly between the 16 regions of New Zealand, ranging from 32% (95% CI 23.2-42) to 61.4% (95% CI 53.3-69). Implant use ranged from 6.8% to 32.7% across regions, and intrauterine method use ranged from 21.4% to 54.7%. Regional variation in total LARC uptake was most marked for under 20-year-olds (20.3% to 70.9%). The ratio of intrauterine to implant users ranged from 0.7 to 4.1 across regions, with intrauterine methods prescribed two and a half times more frequently nationwide. CONCLUSIONS: These regional differences in postabortion LARC initiation suggest there are between-clinic differences in prescribing. Reasons for these differences need to be examined to identify and address any barriers faced by clinics in the routine provision of postabortion LARC. Equitable access to LARC at the time of an abortion is needed throughout New Zealand to assist women in the prevention of future unintended pregnancies.

Postabortion Initiation of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception by Adolescent and Nulliparous Women in New Zealand.

PURPOSE: To describe changes in receipt of immediate postabortion long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) by adolescent and nulliparous women in New Zealand. METHODS: Nationally collected data on immediate postabortion receipt of an intrauterine method (intrauterine device [IUD]/intrauterine system [IUS]) or contraceptive implant were analyzed to describe proportions and demographic characteristics of women receiving LARC between 2007 and 2013. Changes in uptake over time were presented for adolescent, nulliparous, and parous women. RESULTS: Postabortion LARC uptake increased between 2007 and 2013, rising from 7.9% to 42.7% for adolescents and from 8.8% to 36.9% for nulliparous women. The increase was highest among nulliparous adolescents with a seven-fold increase in LARC uptake between 2007 and 2013. Adolescents had a five-fold increase and nulliparous women (of all ages) a four-fold increase. In 2013, IUD/IUS use was lowest among adolescents (22.4%) and increased with increasing age (43% by ages 40+ years), whereas implant use was highest among adolescents (20.3%) and decreased with increasing age (to 4.6% by age 40+ years). Nulliparous women had the lowest use of both IUD/IUS and implants in 2013, with 24.6% receiving an intrauterine method (compared with 43.2% for para 3+), and 12.3% an implant (compared with 17.5% for para 3+). CONCLUSIONS: Despite an overall trend toward increased uptake of postabortion LARC by adolescent and nulliparous women, uptake in these groups still lags behind that of parous and older women. Reasons for differential uptake need to be explored and addressed if necessary to ensure all women have equitable access to the most effective methods of contraception.

Post-abortion initiation of long-acting reversible contraception in New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: Post-abortion initiation of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) reduces subsequent abortion rates within 24 months, but the prevalence of post-abortion LARC use in New Zealand is unknown. AIM: To describe post-abortion initiation of intrauterine and implantable LARC methods in New Zealand between 2007 and 2012, and to determine what impact the introduction of government-funded (free) levonorgestrel (LNG) implants in August 2010 had on overall LARC use. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective observational study involving New Zealand abortion clinic data. METHODS: Nationally collated data on post-abortion LARC insertions were obtained for the period 2007-2012, and individual-level discharge data for patients attending a large urban hospital abortion clinic were analysed using descriptive statistics to describe annual uptake rates, and the demographic profile of LARC users during this period. Logistic regression analyses examined whether LARC use differed by parity and/or age over time. RESULTS: Post-abortion LARC use increased from 20.2% in 2007 to 45.6% in 2012. Intrauterine device use increased from 20.2% to 31.8% during this period, with implants contributing a further 14% to the overall use of LARC methods by 2012. Clinic data showed that LARC use increased among most demographic subgroups between 2009 and 2012, with the greatest increase among nulliparous under-20-year-olds (from 17.2% to 42.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Post-abortion LARC use has been steadily increasing in New Zealand since 2007. Overall LARC use significantly increased following the introduction of government-funded implants, particularly among young and nulliparous women. Improving access to alternative methods of LARC may further increase uptake and reduce unwanted pregnancy rates.