Monash University’s SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing contraceptive knowledge among young women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia.
This initiative, centered around a series of 13-minute educational videos available in five languages, comes on the heels of extensive research known as EXTEND-PREFER, recently published in the BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health journal.
The research highlighted the significant barriers faced by these communities, including lower health literacy and limited awareness of available health services.
Co-designed with young women representing key language groups, the videos comprehensively cover all contraceptive options, with a particular focus on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.
This collaborative effort ensures that the content is not only informative but also culturally sensitive, addressing specific concerns and needs of the target demographic.
Distribution strategies are strategic and inclusive, spanning multicultural community networks, women’s health platforms, and various social media channels. This approach aims to maximize accessibility and engagement among the intended audience.
According to Professor Danielle Mazza AM, who led the research, the videos have proven highly effective, boosting contraceptive knowledge by a significant 41 percent among young women aged 16 to 25 from the studied backgrounds.
The study, involving 160 participants from Arabic, Cantonese, English, Hindi, and Mandarin-speaking communities, underscores the importance of tailored educational resources in closing knowledge gaps and dispelling misconceptions surrounding contraceptive methods.
Professor Mazza emphasizes that coupling education with support for LARC access is critical in empowering these young women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, thereby reducing unintended pregnancies.
In addition to detailing the availability of contraceptive options in Australia, the videos cover essential information such as types of hormones used, effectiveness rates, usage instructions, duration, costs, prescription requirements, effects on menstrual cycles, non-contraceptive benefits, protection against sexually transmitted infections, and common side effects. T
his comprehensive approach ensures that viewers are equipped with accurate information to confidently navigate their reproductive choices.
Monash University’s initiative marks a significant stride towards equitable healthcare access, aiming to empower young women from diverse backgrounds by equipping them with the knowledge needed to exercise autonomy in their reproductive decisions.
