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INTRODUCTIONAdolescents’ uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in New Zealand is low. We created the concept of a proactive LARC provision programme to overcome barriers to LARC uptake. Previously, this concept was discussed with adolescents and positively received. Lack of provider awareness is a barrier to LARC use identified in previous research and by adolescents. AIMWe sought the views of general practitioners (GPs) to gauge whether LARCs and their proactive promotion for use in adolescents may be acceptable to GPs. METHODSNine New Zealand GPs were interviewed about their contraception provision to adolescents and were then asked to comment on the concept of a proactive LARC provision programme. The data collected were transcribed and analysed using a general inductive approach to identify common themes and ideas. We concurrently interviewed and analysed interviews and continued to recruit GPs until thematic saturation was reached. RESULTSSix themes were identified from the interviews: (1) contraceptive decision making; (2) the GP role; (3) sexual activity; (4) social context; (5) gauging adolescent understanding; and (6) youth. When we proposed the concept of a proactive LARC provision programme, the GPs responded positively. DISCUSSIONThe research demonstrates that LARC uptake is affected by limited provider awareness. These findings align with other research internationally that identifies barriers to adolescent contraceptive use. The findings of this study suggest that other GPs may support a proactive LARC provision programme in New Zealand.

Aim To identify relationship dynamics that influences the use of STI/ HIV testing among young, urban African American women. Background Increasing STI/HIV testing is a key prevention strategy, but more research is needed to identify barriers to testing for young women such as intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with African American women ages 18-24. Content analysis was used. Results Women in choice-restricted relationships were unable to negotiate safer sex practices and testing was viewed as the best option. Women in relationships where the desire to use condoms was mutual used STI and HIV testing as a sign of trust building that preceded unprotected sex. Conclusions STI/HIV testing must be viewed as one strategy within a package of possible risk reduction. For those in choice-restricted relationships, clinicians should screen patients for partner abuse and provide additional support and referrals as clinically appropriate.

(1) Background: Critical gaps in the U.S. healthcare system perpetuate adverse reproductive health outcomes for Black people. Grounded in reproductive justice and trauma-informed care, Breastfeeding Awareness and Empowerment (BAE) has developed a program titled BAE Cafe to directly address these gaps by providing community-based lactation and perinatal mental health support. A literature review identified key programmatic gaps, namely, access to knowledge relevant to troubleshooting breastfeeding, peer support, community support and healthcare system support, and system-level factors that impede families and communities from accessing lactation support. (2) Methods: This paper describes BAE Cafe through a group process observation and participant survey. (3) Results: The observation of groups highlighted the core elements of the BAE Cafe model: knowledge, support and mental health support in a peer driven format. Participant survey feedback was overwhelmingly positive and highlighted the critical importance of lactation support for Black women by Black women and BAE’s role in participants’ decisions to continue breastfeeding. (4) Conclusions: BAE Cafe is a replicable, scalable, peer-driven and low-barrier intervention that has the potential to improve outcomes for Black families. Additional research and investment are now needed to assess large-scale implementation to reduce disparities and address health inequity across different contexts and settings.

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