Abstract
Objective
To document the use of contraception by a representative sample of Australian women
aged 16–49 years and compare it with 2001–2002.
Methods
Women were asked about their use of contraception and method used or reason for non-use
during computer-assisted telephone interviews in 2012–2013. Women were sampled by
random digit dialling of landline and mobile phones (participation rate 67.2%).
Results
Of a weighted sample of 5654 heterosexually active women interviewed 81% were using
a method of contraception including sterilisation; this amounts to 66% of all women
aged 16–49. Of those who were not using a method, 42% were pregnant or wanted a baby,
25% said they or their partners were infertile, 5% were currently not having intercourse,
3% were past menopause and 25% were apparently at risk of unintended pregnancy. Of
those who used a method, 33% used oral contraceptives, 30% condoms and 19% sterilisation
as their primary method. Use of condoms, intrauterine devices, implants and emergency
contraception has increased since 2002, and use of sterilisation has fallen. Method
used varied by age group, location, occupational group, relationship status and parity.
A third of women had ever used emergency contraception, with the highest rate among
women in their 20s.
Conclusion
Australian women have access to a wide range of effective contraceptive methods.
Implications
Given the high levels of use, most unintended pregnancies in Australia are likely
to be attributable to method failure or inconsistent use.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 29, 2016
Accepted:
June 22,
2016
Received in revised form:
June 21,
2016
Received:
November 12,
2015
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
