The Afghan Family Planning Project: Contraception, pregnancy, sex, relationships, and cultural transitions among Afghan women and men living in Melbourne, Australia

This participatory, mixed-methods research explored sexual and reproductive health among married Afghanistan-born women and men of refugee background living in Melbourne, Australia. PhD research findings highlight that Afghan women and men in Australia are embracing many new opportunities to improve their sexual and reproductive health; they are open to using modern methods of contraception, making informed decisions around family size, engaging with health services to address their sexual and reproductive needs, and moving towards more egalitarian ideals within their intimate relationships.However, participants also experienced a number of challenges, including unintended pregnancy, and difficulty achieving consistent contraceptive practices. Findings provide valuable insights for health professionals working with Afghan women and men, and other migrant and refugee communities.