Wendy Abigail

Changing patterns in women seeking terminations of pregnancy: A trend analysis of data from one service provider 1996–2006

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess emerging trends in five characteristics: age, first ever pregnancy, contraception at time of conception, contraception choices post‐operatively and referral source of women presenting for a termination of pregnancy (1996–2006) from a southern service in Adelaide, South Australia.

A systematic review of trend studies of women seeking termination of pregnancy

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This article reports a systematic review of trend studies (1995-2006) which answers five questions: What are the patterns of: 1 Age of women seeking termination of pregnancy; 2 First ever pregnancy ending in a termination; 3 Contraception usage at the time of conception; 4 Contraception chosen immediately postoperatively; and 5 Referral sources to termination of pregnancy services. BACKGROUND Fertility patterns are changing and there is evidence to indicate that the numbers of older women conceiving for the first time are increasing. At the same time, there are new methods of contraception widely available. Little is known about the implications of these changes on termination patterns. DESIGN An extensive electronic search of databases such as CINAHL, MEDLINE In-Process (OVID) and was conducted from January 1995-June 2006 for trend studies in pregnancy terminations. METHODS Articles chosen were based on trend studies greater than five years, contained primary quantitative research and official government statistical reports. RESULTS Results of the search showed age that was unable to be compared because of the many variations in measurements and time periods, and there was only limited research worldwide of trends in contraception at the time of conception in relation to a termination of pregnancy. Additionally, there were no studies worldwide in the past 11 years, which specifically examined trends in the characteristics of the number of first-ever pregnancies which ended in a termination, contraception choices postoperative to a termination of pregnancy, or referral source to a termination of pregnancy provider. CONCLUSION Little is reported in the literature on trends in the five characteristics related to pregnancy termination. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Evidence about the changing patterns of women seeking pregnancy termination is needed to inform policy and practice, and to ensure that health promotion strategies are underpinned by accurate information that reflects the needs of the populations of women in relation to their reproductive health.

Termination of pregnancy and the over 30s: what are trends in contraception use 1996–2006?

There is a shift in fertility patterns with more women commencing childbearing over 30 years of age. Little is known about trends in contraception use by women in this age group seeking a termination of pregnancy. This research presents a trend analysis to determine if there were significant changes in trends in contraception use pre- and post-termination of pregnancy for women over 30 years of age from 1996 to 2006 in South Australia. Data were collected from 1996 to 2006 from a service in South Australia. Data were examined using simple linear regression. At the time of conception, 53% of women reported using some form of contraception. Additionally, there was a significant decline in women using natural family planning methods at conception. Post-operatively, there was a significant decline in hormone methods being chosen, and a significant increase in women not using any contraception. Women over 30 years of age used contraception at the time of conception pre- and post-operatively of having a pregnancy terminated over the 10 year period of the study. Health promotion activities need to be further developed to cater for this age group and to take into consideration changing fertility patterns.

Elderly Women in Rural Bangladesh: Healthcare Access and Ageing Trends

In Bangladesh, one of the world’s poorest countries, a significant proportion of its most deprived citizens are elderly women living in rural areas, where healthcare access remains difficult. This article argues that as citizens, such elderly women, too, should have a constitutional right to healthcare access. Meeting this constitutional and human rights challenge is a joint obligation for the government and healthcare professionals. Yet, socio-economic discrimination and several cultural factors at individual, societal and institutional levels are known to limit access to healthcare services for elderly rural women in Bangladesh, who represent a highly vulnerable population group in Bangladesh regarding healthcare and healthcare access. This article first examines demographic ageing trends and then highlights key issues concerning the necessity of securing better healthcare for rural elderly women (REW) in Bangladesh.

The Social Determinants of Healthcare Access for Rural Elderly Women - A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies

Methods: Major healthcare databases including MEDLINE and MEDLINE In-Process, PsycINFO, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, CINAHL and ERIC were searched from April 2016 to August 2016 and a manual search was also conducted. A rigorous selection process focusing on the inclusion of rural elderly women in study population and the social determinants of their healthcare access resulted in 38 quantitative articles for inclusion. Data were extracted and summarized from these studies, and grouped into seven categories under upstream and downstream social determinants.

Choosing a research higher degree supervisor: a framework for nurses

Nursing is a relatively new discipline in research with a small number of registered nurses holding a research higher degree (RHD). Entry into RHD study for nurses is often via a less direct route than the traditional bachelor’s degree through honours to PhD pathway. The supervisor-candidate relationship is an important factor in RHD completions and the perception of a quality experience by RHD candidates. A comprehensive search of the electronic literature was conducted to investigate recommendations for nursing RHD candidates to consider when searching for a supervisor. Thematic analysis of the literature found three main themes: assessing the RHD supervisor’s background, personality and management style. Based on the identified themes, recommendations included a list of concepts for the RHD candidate to investigate in relation to themselves and the supervisor. The function of choosing an appropriate supervisor is one of the most important steps a candidate will make. By investigating supervisors’ suitability, nursing RHD candidates may avoid potential issues in the supervision process that could impact on their successful timely completion of their PhD.

Australian Women’s Fertility Experiences prior to a Termination of Pregnancy

Objective. This research aimed to investigate the fertility management of women aged over 30 years prior to a termination of pregnancy (TOP) to inform primary health care service delivery providers and policy makers. Design. An ethically approved, two-phase sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used. This paper reports on part of that study. Setting. The study was conducted in five South Australian TOP clinics. Patients. Women aged over 30 years attending for a TOP in 2009 were invited to participate. Interventions. The Contraception Sexual Attitude Questionnaire (modified version) of women attending termination of pregnancy services was used. Main Outcomes Measures. Quantitative data analysis utilized SPSS V16 where simple descriptive statistics were described. Results. There were 101 questionnaire respondents where 70.5% were Australian women, predominantly married and with children. Women used contraception but experienced method failure, were beginning a new method, or were afraid of side effects. Risk-taking behaviours were reported such as putting the possibility of pregnancy out of their mind, getting carried away and not thinking of pregnancy risk, or frequently having unprotected intercourse. Conclusion. Service delivery needs to include age specific programs, and policy makers need to include policies which are adequately funded and evaluated. Further research is required to provide greater depth of knowledge in this area.