FAMILY-PLANNING PRACTICES AMONG LEBANESE, TURKISH AND VIETNAMESE WOMEN IN SYDNEY

This paper is based on some of the data collected in a fertility and f amily planning survey conducted in 1988 among a probability sample of 980 married immigrant women in Sydney. The sample consisted of 507 Leb anese, 250 Turkish and 223 Vietnamese women. This study has revealed d ifferences within and between the 3 migrant groups and the general pop ulation. Fertility among the 3 groups, but particularly among the Leba nese, was relatively high. While most women understood about birth con trol, there was a heavy reliance on traditional methods. Incidence of sterilization and hysterectomy was low compared to the general populat ion. Use of abortions as a method of birth control was quite common am ong the Turkish women. Most women relied on their doctors for contrace ptive advice and there was little knowledge and even less use of famil y planning and women's health centres. The study revealed an unmet nee d for culturally sensitive family planning information and services to these women.