CUPID - Contraceptive Use Pregnancy Intention and Decisions Study

Research status

Completed

Overview of Study

The CUPID (Contraceptive Use, Pregnancy Intention and Decisions) research team asked young women aged 18-23 years from NSW to complete a short online survey about young women’s experiences of contraception use and plans for pregnancy. Associate Professor Deborah Loxton from the University of Newcastle indicated that “initial results from CUPID show a high percentage of women aged 18-23 who become pregnant report becoming pregnant by accident”. It is therefore important to know how young women use (or don’t use) contraception, where they get contraceptives, how easy it is and how contraceptive choices are made. In Australia, this information is limited particularly for women in rural and remote areas.

Participating in the CUPID study required the completion of 3 short surveys at 6 monthly intervals. Associate Professor Jayne Lucke from the University of Queensland noted that large scale participation of young women is the key to the success of the project. “This will allow us to gain an understanding of where the gaps are in terms of service provision and access to contraception”. Moreover, Associate Professor Loxton suggests that “CUPID gives young women the opportunity to share their experiences and help shape health services. All it takes is 10 minutes of their time”.