Long-acting reversible contraception: what do people want to know?
Project Details
Although there are many contraceptive options available in Australia, most women* use the pill and condoms. There has been a concerted effort over the past decade to encourage women to utilise the most effective methods available, including contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (also called long-acting reversible contraception, or LARC), but success has been limited. Research-to-date has almost exclusively focused on the healthcare context; the views of women considering using these methods are missing. This study will examine needs of women who are considering using an intrauterine device or contraceptive implant, and asks questions like, what information is currently available about these methods? What sorts of information do people want about these methods? What do people already know about intrauterine devices and contraceptive implants? How do people want to be informed about their contraceptive options? What are the experiences of women who are currently using, or have previously used an intrauterine device or contraceptive implant?
To answer these questions, we will be conducting an online survey and interviews with people who have female reproductive organs, live in Australia, and are aged between 18-45 years old. Please email the research team to check your eligibility and register your interest in participating: larc-project@unimelb.edu.au
*This project uses the term women to refer to those with female reproductive organs. However, we note that not all people with female reproductive organs will identify as women and use this term in an inclusive and broad way to refer to all people with female reproductive organs who may require contraception.
Ethics
This study has been approved by the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee, ID:23972. You can contact us at larc-project@unimelb.edu.au if you have any questions.
Researchers
This project is being undertaken by Dr Jacqueline Coombe (lead investigator) and Cassandra Caddy, researchers in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health.
Funding
This project is funded by a University of Melbourne Early Career Researcher Grant (ID 2022ECR097).
Research Outcomes
Research outcomes will be available here on the completion of the study.