Choice or chance: the social context of contraceptive use by women with HCV and their reproductive & sexual health needs

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Hepatitis C is a growing health concern, with 1% of the Australian population now HCV positive, and signs that it is increasing more quickly among women of child-bearing age. This study builds upon recent research that shows that Australia women with Hepatitis C have low levels of contraception even though they have specific contraceptive needs relating to concerns about the risks of vertical transmission, the effects of the diease on their children and the use of Ribavirin, a teratogen, in HCV treatment. This study aims to elucidate the reasons for this low level of contraception among women with Hepatitis C through interviews with them (and in some cases their partners) about the complex array of practices and understandings, within the contexts of their lives, that influence their contraceptive and reproductive behaviours. The public health outcomes of this research include the development of contraceptive information that is relevant to the specific needs of women with Hepatitis C and the identification of barriers to family planning and reproductive health services for these women.