A report highlighting health concerns specifically for female international and refugee students in Australia has prompted a new health promotion program to be trialled at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga.

 

The report, published by the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health in Melbourne in 2011, found the students were concerned by sexual and reproductive health issues, high rates of unplanned pregnancy and abortion, and a risk of violence in accommodation, educational institutions and workplaces.

 

The report, ON YOUR OWN; Sexual and reproductive health of female international students in Australia by Carolyn Poljski, also found female international students have a  limited understanding of sexual health promotion initiatives, the Australian health system and the role of GPs.

 

The Health Promotion Officer at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Ms Coleen Pearce said, “We are responding to the report’s recommendations that educational institutions, like Charles Sturt University, are the most appropriate settings for delivering health promotion programs to this group of women.

 

“We are trialling an information session at CSU in Wagga Wagga in August for female international and female refugee students to ensure they are getting the information they need and want while studying here.”

 

A range of issues will be discussed at the session, including general women’s health, sexual health, mental health and an overview of the Australian health system including Medicare and private health cover.

 

“We have organised a local GP to speak about the role of primary health care in Australia which can differ from many other countries,” Ms Pearce said. “Also attending the conference will be representatives of the Wagga Women’s Health Centre and Medibank and the Wagga Women’s Health Clinic. A counsellor will also be available during the evening.”

 

A PhD student from India Ms Saba Nabi is another organiser of the pilot health promotion program.

 

“International female students hardly speak about these health issues so this information session is a great initiative,” she said. “It will provide us with a private space to talk and seek the advice we need.”

 

The pilot information session will be held specifically for women students at eat@ 20, CSU in Wagga Wagga from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday 6 August. Child-minding and transport can be arranged by contacting the Health Promotion Officer at CSU Ms Coleen Pearce on 02 6933 2263 or send an email.  

 

If the trial is successful, the program will be rolled out across CSU.

 

The full report, ON YOUR OWN; Sexual and reproductive health of female international students in Australia by Carolyn Poljski can be access here.