Background Clients diagnosed and treated for Chlamydia trachomatis are a recognised high-risk group for subsequent infection. An estimated 8% of clients treated for chlamydia at Cairns Sexual Health Service return for re-testing within the recommended 3e4-month period. There is no recall or reminder system in place. This study assesses the effectiveness of using short messaging service (SMS) reminders with and without incentive payments to increase re-testing rates. Methods Eligible consenting clients were randomly allocated to one of three groups. Group 1 (controls) received the standard advice from the clinician to return for re-testing in 3e4 months. Group 2 received the standard advice and an SMS reminder at 10e12 weeks post-treatment. Group 3 received the standard advice and the SMS reminder, which also offered an incentive payment on clinic attendance. Results 32 participants were recruited to groups 1 and 2 and 30 participants to group 3. 62 SMS reminders were sent with 13 (21.0%) reported as undelivered. Re-testing rates were 6.3%, 28.1% and 26.7% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusion SMS reminders with or without an incentive payment increased re-testing rates in our clients who were diagnosed and treated for chlamydia. However, re-testing remained less than ideal, and the high rate of undelivered SMS reminders suggest that this intervention alone will not achieve desired re-testing rates and that a range of strategies will be required to increase re-testing in this population.

The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) is conducted every 5 yr and was most recently again conducted in 2016. Face-to-face interviews gauged progress in quality associated with live cattle production using procedures first utilized in NBQA 2011. The 2016 NBQA was the first in which interviews concerning fed steers and heifers were combined with an audit of market cow and bull beef. Face-to-face interviews were designed to illicit definitions for beef quality, estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for quality attributes, establish relative importance rankings for important quality factors, and assess images, strengths, weaknesses, potential threats, and shifting trends in the beef industry since the 2011 audit. Individuals making purchasing decisions in 5 market sectors of the steer/heifer and cow/bull beef supply chain were interviewed, including packers (n = 36), retailers (including large and small supermarket companies and warehouse food sales companies; n = 35), food service operators (including quick-serve, full-service, and institutional establishments; n = 29), further processors (n = 64), and peripherally-related government and trade organizations (GTO; n = 30). Face-to-face interviews were conducted between January and November of 2016 using a designed dynamic routing system. Definitions (as described by interviewees) for 7 pre-determined quality factors, including: (1) How and where the cattle were raised, (2) Lean, fat, and bone, (3) Weight and size, (4) Visual characteristics, (5) Food safety, (6) Eating satisfaction, and (7) Cattle genetics were recorded verbatim and categorized into similar responses for analysis. Compared to NBQA-2011, a higher percentage of companies were willing to pay premiums for guaranteed quality attributes, but overall were willing to pay lower average premiums than the companies interviewed in 2011. Food safety had the highest share of preference among all interviewees, generating a double-digit advantage over any other quality factor. The 2 beef industries have an overall positive image among interviewees, and despite lingering weaknesses, product quality continued to be at the forefront of the strengths category for both steer and heifer beef and market cow and bull beef.

The initial provision of MToP through CSHS was anticipated to be a short-term arrangement; however, 10 years on, this service continues with strong community demand. Provision of MToP services through primary healthcare settings can help improve access for women living outside of major metropolitan areas. If moves to decriminalise abortion in Queensland are successful, there is potential for even greater access.

Background An estimated 25% of Australian women will undergo induced abortion. Few studies have explored Australian women’s experiences of accessing medical termination of pregnancy (MToP). This study explored the experiences of women accessing MToP through a regional sexual health service in North Queensland. It aimed to determine the aspects of the process from seeking information about abortion to completion that worked well and to identify areas for improvement. Methods. Semi-structured telephone interviews with 11 women who accessed MTOP at Cairns Sexual Health Service (CSHS) were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A deductive analysis approach was used to analyse the data. Results. Most women had little prior knowledge of MToP or access options and used the Internet to source information. Accessing MToP through a sexual health service was considered positive, non-judgemental, discrete and low-cost despite challenges of fitting in with appointment times and obtaining off-site ultrasound. GPs did not always provide referral; some women described experiences of stigma, discrimination and judgemental care during consultation and when obtaining ultrasounds. Concern for women living in more rural/remote areas was raised. Potential solutions including increased provision through rural general practitioners (GPs) and telehealth. Conclusion. Our study highlights the need for greater awareness of abortion options and access points among the community and healthcare providers. Access through sexual health clinics in regional settings is accepted; however, other options such as increased provision through rural GPs, primary health clinics, telehealth and nurse-led models of care could help overcome some of the barriers faced by rural and remote women.

Access to abortion services is often limited in parts of regional Australia, including north Queensland. Since March 2006, the Cairns Sexual Health Service (CSHS) has provided medical termination of pregnancy (MToP) services for women up to 9 weeks gestation, using a regimen of methotrexate and misoprostol. We conducted a retrospective chart audit of all women undergoing an MToP at the CSHS between 1 March 2006 and 31 March 2009. In total, 147 medical terminations in 136 women were performed during this 3-year period. At the time of first presentation, the mean age was 27 years, 77 (57%) of the 136 women were of less than 7 weeks gestation and 86 (63%) had not had a previous termination. A successful medical termination of pregnancy was achieved in 69 of 85 (81%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 72, 88) women at less than 7 weeks gestation and in 43 of 62 (69%, 95% CI: 57, 80) women with gestation between 7 and 9 weeks. Provision of medical termination of pregnancy through sexual health services is one strategy to address access inequity in regional areas. Demand for this service in Cairns continues to rise; however, since late August 2009 MToP in Queensland is no longer available pending legal reform.