Contraceptive use, challenges, and need among Central Asian female migrants in Russia

Background: Russia remains one of the world’s top receiving countries for labor migration, an increasing portion of which are women. Faced with discrimination, legal barriers, and financial hardships, migrant women in Russia struggle with obtaining adequate medical care, which includes gynecological care. Prior studies with migrants in Russia have documented increased risk of STI/HIV, decreased knowledge and negotiation skills in terms of contraceptive and HIV preventative methods. Studies with migrants elsewhere have also documented increased risk of unintended pregnancy among migrant women. However, little is known about contraceptive practices of migrant women in Russia. Objectives: The primary objective of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to contraception among Central Asian female migrants in Moscow. The secondary objective of the study is to understand the impact of migration on female migrants’ reproductive health and future reproductive and family planning needs in order to develop intervention strategies with this at risk population.