title: Sexual and reproductive health trends among women with enduring mental illness: a survey of Western Australian community mental health services.
abstract: An exploratory cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine associations and potential modifiable risk factors for management of sexual and reproductive health needs for women attending community mental health services. Women (n = 220) had on average three pregnancies; 61.2% were unplanned. One quarter who were sexually active within the past 12 months denied using contraception with 51% using less effective methods. The majority (81.7%) engaged in Pap smear screening, and those with a general practitioner (GP) were more likely to participate (p =.004). Findings highlight GPs' potential in optimizing women's health. Considering unplanned pregnancies and contraception trends, we suggest improved access to contraception options, particularly long-acting reversible methods.
authors.affiliation: a School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia.
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hauck
authors.forename: Thinh
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frayne
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garefalakis
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rock
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D049168:Pregnancy, Unplanned; D060728:Reproductive Health / Q000639:trends*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior