Sterilization Rate Research Articles

Application of New Nursing Concepts in Disinfection Supply Center and its Impact on Disinfection and Sterilization Qualification Rate

Purpose: To explore the practical effects of applying new nursing concepts in the disinfection supply center. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted based on the nursing management work situation of our hospital’s disinfection supply center from December 2022 to June 2023. The work situation of the routine nursing management model from December 2022 to March 2023 was included into the control group, while the nursing management work that applied a variety of new nursing concepts from April 2023 to June 2023 was included in the observation group. The two groups randomly selected 400 medical devices each as research objects to compare the medical devices under the two nursing management models. To deal with the qualifications, at the same time, a self-made questionnaire was issued to the 18 staff members involved during the study to compare the nursing management quality scores of the two groups. Results: The timely rate of recovery and distribution of medical devices, the qualified rate of cleaning, the qualified rate of disinfection and sterilization, the qualified rate of packaging, and the nursing management quality score of the observation group were all higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The application of new nursing concepts can help disinfection supply centers to further improve the disinfection and sterilization qualification rate of medical devices, and promote the improvement of the overall nursing management quality level, which is worthy of promotion.

Intelligent pulsed ultraviolet c radiation sterilization system: A cleaner solution of raw ready-to-eat aquatic products processing

The sterilization of raw ready-to-eat aquatic products is a crucial method for ensuring their safety for consumption after production. However, achieving intelligent decision-making and higher sterilization efficiency remains a technical challenge. In this paper, an intelligent ultraviolet c radiation (UVC) pulse sterilization system for raw ready-to-eat aquatic products processing lines is presented. The objective of intelligently classifying and grading aquatic products in an automated production line and then sterilizing them is attained. On the basis of the thermal radiation perspective factor method, an irradiation prediction model for the columnar pulsed UVC field is developed, and an automated decision model for the UVC sterilization level is developed in conjunction with the hierarchical analysis method. Automatic control of the UVC lamp is achieved with precision. Using a combination of direct measurements and simulation calculations, the accuracy of the prediction structure is verified. In addition, the system's key model, the UVC intensity decision model, was evaluated, and the results indicated that the decision model had an error rate of 13.3% in the sterilization of raw ready-to-eat aquatic products and that the system's sterilization rate could reach approximately 95%. Additionally, the economics of implementation and overall performance of the sterilization system were evaluated and determined to be effective in reducing spoilage rates and human resource losses, thereby promoting sustainable and clean production in the raw food fish processing industry.

Meta-Aerogel Electric Trap Enables Instant and Continuable Pathogen Killing in Face Masks.

The tremendous menace of the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency for antipathogen masks to stop the transmission of airborne infectious diseases. Most prevailing antipathogen masks manifest a slower sterilization rate that lags behind the pathogen momentum traversing the masks, thereby engendering an elevated susceptibility to infection. Here we tailor nanofibrous meta-aerogel electric traps, 3D-assembled from self-knotted carbon nanotube networks in an all rigid nanofibrous skeleton. This superior configuration revolves around the creation of numerous "dielectrophoretic-aerodynamic grippers", which are capable of directional manipulation of microbes toward the region of the lethal intensive electric field. Based on this, we present a disinfection unit comprising a pair of aerogel electrodes that demonstrate a rapid killing rate (>99.99% biocidal efficacy within 0.016 s) and long-term durability (12 h of continuous operation). Additionally, a microbutton lithium cell is employed as a power supply to fabricate an antipathogen face mask with this disinfection unit, which exhibits superior pathogen inactivation efficacy compared to commercial masks. This scalable biocidal protective equipment holds great potential for use in emergency medical services.

Biomimetic PVA-PVDF-based triboelectric nanogenerator with MXene doping for self-powered water sterilization

The harsh environment at sea level can reduce the harvesting efficiency of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for blue energy. Based on this, the doping ratio of MXene was optimized and was applied to enhance the moisture resistance, anti-fouling, wear resistance and dielectric properties of PVA triboelectrode. 8 wt% MXene doping provides more hydrogen bonding sites on PVA surface, thereby adsorbing more water molecules as electropositivity materials and improves its anti-fouling performance by forming hydration layer. Meanwhile, MXene increases the load capacity of hybrid transfer film and greatly improves the wear resistance of PVA film, and can form microcapacitor to improve its dielectric properties. In addition, biomimetic PVDF electrode was prepared by imitating the hydrophobic mechanism of leaves and significantly improved the anti-fouling and moisture resistance of PVDF. The Voc and Isc of TENG reached to 1056V and 36.6 μA at 95% humidity and improved by 2.37 times. The charge density and binding energy of PVA/MXene and PVA before and after adsorbed water molecule were calculated by DFT. Furthermore, the self-powered water sterilization system based on PVA/MXene-PVDF-based TENG achieved a sterilization rate of 98.99% at the flow rate of 2000 mL min−1, which was much higher than ordinary AC power (86.80%).

Polypyrrole hydrogel with near-infrared light-driven nitric oxide release and photothermal activities for rapid synergistic sterilization and infected wound therapy

Developing low-cost and easy-accessible phototherapy agents with a high sterilization efficiency is urgently needed tackling the increasingly dangerous of bacterial infections. Herein, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent (i.e., PP-Mo-NO) with near-infrared laser (NIR) driven nitric oxide (NO) release capacity derived from the assemble of a heat-sensitive NO donor (N, N′-di-sec-butyl-N, N′-dinitroso-1, 4-phenylenediamine, BNN6) with freeze-dried three-dimensional polypyrrole hydrogel crosslinked by the sulfonated dimolybdenum-salen (PP-Mo), was synthesized for the rapid and effective eradicating of Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Upon 808 nm laser irradiation, PP-Mo-NO showed not only superb photothermal efficacy (79.88 %), but also precisely controllable NO release capacity, generating oxidative/nitrosative stress. Within 10 mins of irradiation (1.0 W cm−2), PP-Mo-NO with co-amplified photothermal (PTT)/NO synergetic antibacterial activity presented sterilization rates beyond 99.1% against both the E. coli and S. aureus at a relatively low concentration (100 µg mL−1). Meanwhile, in vivo experiments demonstrated the great application potential of PP-Mo-NO which could effectively kill bacteria at the site of infection, and repair the open infectious wounds, thereby accelerating the tissue reconstruction.

Quantitative generation of ROS and their effective photocatalytic antibacterial activity of high-intensity universal P25 network films: The role of ROS

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and utilization were the foundation for the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants or anti-bactericidal effect. Especially for solid-phase film photocatalysis, a simple and firm immobilization method that ensured exposure of active sites and effective production of ROS was the key. Presently, a P25 network films was achieved using water-based polyurethane acrylate (WPUA) as adhesive through a simple and convenient direct spraying method. The physical and chemical properties of the P25 network films were characterized and the results showed that P25 was firmly adhered on the metal wire mesh and fully exposed the active sites of P25. Dynamic generation of ROS on 304SS@P25 films interface was systematically investigated. The concentration of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide radicals (O2•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on 10 cm × 3 cm 304SS@P25 after 2 h of UV irradiation were 9.4 ± 0.3 × 10−9 M, 7.6 ± 0.3 × 10−9 M, and 11.7 ± 0.9 × 10−6 M, respectively, which was similar with ROS generation of P25 nanoparticle suspensions. In addition, the ROS-mediated antibacterial effect of 304SS@P25 films was investigated, and a linear correlation was found between the concentration of ROS generated and the E. coli sterilization rate. Furthermore, 304SS@P25 films could be successfully applied in the air sterilizer to exhibit a good bactericidal effect. This ROS-oriented photocatalyst immobilization method opened up a new pathway for water and air purification and provided a new strategy in the field of photocatalytic antibacterial technology.

Explaining sex discrepancies in sterilization rates in the United States: An evidence-informed commentary.

With abortion no longer deemed a constitutional right in the United States (US), the importance of effective contraceptive methods cannot be overstated. Both male sterilization (vasectomy) and female sterilization (tubal ligation) have the lowest failure rates of available means of contraception. Despite the less invasive and reversible nature of vasectomy compared to tubal ligation procedures and even though some healthcare professionals dissuade certain women, especially those who are white and/or economically advantaged, from undergoing a sterilization procedure, female sterilization is approximately three times more prevalent than male sterilization in the US. We suggest that the discrepancy in sterilization rates is attributable to the burdens of pregnancy and birth experienced by women, beliefs that pregnancy prevention is a woman's responsibility, a dearth of sex education that results in lack of knowledge and poor understanding of contraception, perceptions of masculinity in which contraception is viewed as feminizing, and the increase in long-term singlehood that shapes the desire of individuals to avoid unwanted pregnancy that may result in single parenting. Recent reports suggest that court rulings restricting abortion access and looming threats to contraceptive legality and accessibility may be prompting a national increase in male sterilization.

An economical pyrrhotite‐loaded sludge carbon composite effectively activated persulfate to sterilize Escherichia coli

AbstractBACKGROUNDPersulfate (PS) has the capability to yield free radicals via activators, thereby shaping an advanced oxidation process that can significantly contribute to effective sterilization. Central to this technology is the pursuit of appropriate activators.RESULTSIn our research, we successfully synthesized an economical and efficient PS activator, namely a pyrrhotite‐loaded sludge carbon (Pyr‐SC) composite. This was achieved via a straightforward procedure utilizing two environmentally friendly and cost‐efficient raw materials: pyrite and sludge. Pyr‐SC exhibited a specific surface area of 60.4 m2 g−1 and rich functional groups such as carbon–sulfur and sulfur–oxygen. The magnetic and graphitic carbon structures were formed at high temperatures during the preparation process, and the sludge carbon (SC) exhibited porous defects, which allowed the effective insertion of iron/sulfur into SC to form the stable Pyr‐SC structure. Pyr‐SC activated PS, which further sterilized Escherichia coli in the wastewater at a sterilization rate of 7.00 lg E. coli at 107 cfu mL−1 in 80 min. The sterilization rate was less affected by temperature and pH. We verified sulfate, hydroxyl and oxygen free radicals produced by the Pyr‐SC‐activated PS. The Pyr‐SC composite, thanks to its expedited electron transfer, could activate PS to engender free radicals. Furthermore, the oscillatory transformation of iron ions caused by the monosulfide ion on the Pyr‐SC surface augmented the production of free radicals. An assessment of Pyr‐SC's stability was conducted, adhering to the principles of magnetic separation. After five cycles in the Pyr‐SC/PS reaction system, the sterilization rate reached 3.29 lg, whereas the leaching rate of iron in Pyr‐SC decreased. The Pyr‐SC/PS reaction system also had a broad spectrum of wastewater.CONCLUSIONThe economically prepared Pyr‐SC composite provided an effective technology for activating PS and sterilizing microorganisms in wastewater. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tannic acid-assisted fabrication of antibacterial sodium alginate-based gel beads for the multifunctional adsorption of heavy metal ions and dyes

The existence of heavy metals and dyes seriously affects the ecological environment and human safety. Antibacterial adsorption materials with the broad-spectrum removal of multiple pollutants are urgently required for water remediation. Herein, a sustainable and antibacterial sodium alginate (SA) gel bead adsorbent with honeycomb cellular architecture is developed by the biomimetic deposition polyphenolic tannic acid (TA) induced grafting diethylenetriamine (DETA) under mild conditions for efficient removal of Cr(VI) and dyes. Taking advantage of the catechol surface chemistry, TA occurring rapid polymerization with DETA monomers not only enhances the water resistance and thermal stability of the gel bead, but also introduces abundant polyphenolic functional groups and active adsorption sites. The multifunctional gel bead showed outstanding antibacterial activity against S. aureus (sterilization rates: 83.8 %) and E. coli (sterilization rates: 99.5 %). The maximum adsorption capacity of gel bead for Cr(VI) was 163.9 mg/g. Moreover, the removal efficiency of the gel bead for dyes of Safranine T and Rhodamine B was 89.5 % (maximum adsorption capacity: 537 mg/g) and 76.7 % (maximum adsorption capacity: 460.2 mg/g), respectively, indicating its excellent broad-spectrum adsorption performance for multiple pollutants. Therefore, TA-assisted fabrication of SA-based gel bead with excellent antibacterial property is a promising multifunctional adsorption material for practical water remediation.

Endocrine morbidity in neurofibromatosis 1: A nationwide, register-based cohort study.

Previous studies have found that neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is associated with an increased risk for endocrine disorders, but no comprehensive overview of the risk for specific endocrine disorders has been published. We assessed endocrine morbidity in individuals with NF1 from information on hospital admissions, surgery for endocrine disorders, and relevant medication. A nationwide population registry-based cohort study. We identified 2467 individuals with NF1 diagnosed between 1977-2013 from the Danish National Patient Register and the RAREDIS database and 20 132 randomly sampled age- and sex-matched population comparisons. Information on endocrine diseases was identified using registrations of discharge diagnoses, surgery, and medication prescriptions. The rates of endocrine disorders in individuals with NF1 were compared with those in the comparison cohort in Cox proportional hazard models. Individuals with NF1 had a higher rate than the comparison group of any endocrine discharge diagnosis (hazard ratio (HR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-1.87), endocrine-related surgery (2.03, 1.39-2.96), and prescribed medications (1.32, 1.23-1.42). Increased HRs were observed for diseases and surgical operations of several glands, including pheochromocytoma, and for osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures. Decreased rates were observed with drugs for type 2 diabetes. Women with NF1 had higher HRs for surgery of the ovaries, uterus, and sterilization, but lower rates of surgeries of cervix and prescriptions for birth control pills. NF1 is associated with a variety of endocrine disorders, surgery, and medication related to endocrine disease. Awareness of endocrine morbidity is important in the clinical follow-up of individuals with NF1.

Early Intraventricular Antibiotic Therapy Improved In-Hospital-Mortality in Neurocritical Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Nosocomial Meningitis and Ventriculitis.

Hospital-acquired multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial meningitis and/or ventriculitis (MEN) is a severe condition associated with high mortality. The risk factors related to in-hospital mortality of patients with MDR bacterial MEN are unknown. We aimed to examine factors related to in-hospital mortality and evaluate their prognostic value in patients with MDR bacterial MEN treated in the neurointensive care unit. This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of critically ill neurosurgical patients with MDR bacterial MEN admitted to our hospital between January 2003 and March 2021. Data on demographics, admission variables, treatment, time to start of intraventricular (IVT) therapy, and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Both univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify determinants of in-hospital mortality. All 142 included patients received systemic antibiotic therapy, and 102 of them received concomitant IVT treatment. The median time to start of IVT treatment was 2days (interquartile range 1-5days). The time to start of IVT treatment had an effect on in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.34; adjusted p = 0.030). The cutoff time to initiate IVT treatment was identified at 3days: patients treated within 3days had a higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sterilization rate (81.5%) and a shorter median time to CSF sterilization (7days) compared with patients who received delayed IVT treatment (> 3days) (48.6% and 11.5days, respectively) and those who received intravenous antibiotics alone (42.5% and 10days, respectively). Early IVT antibiotics were associated with superior outcomes in terms of the in-hospital mortality rate, time to CSF sterilization, and CSF sterilization rate compared with delayed IVT antibiotics and intravenous antibiotics alone.

In Situ Formation of Silver Nanoparticles Induced by Cl-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Enhanced Separation and Antibacterial Performance of Nanofiltration Membrane.

Polyamide (PA) nanofiltration (NF) membranes suffer from biofouling, which will deteriorate their separation performance. In this study, we proposed a strategy to incorporate silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into PA NF membranes in situ, in order to simultaneously enhance water permeability and antibacterial performance. The chloride-doped carbon quantum dots (Cl-CQDs) with photocatalytic performance were pre-embedded in the PA selective layer. Under visible light irradiation, the photogenerated charge carriers generated by Cl-CQDs rapidly transported to silver ions (Ag+ ions), resulting in the in situ formation of Ag NPs. The proposed strategy avoided the problem of aggregating Ag NPs, and the amount of Ag NPs on the membrane surfaces could be easily tuned by changing silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentrations and immersion times. These uniformly dispersed Ag NPs increased membrane hydrophilicity. Thus, the obtained thin film nanocomposite Ag NPs (TFN-Ag) membrane exhibited an improved water flux (31.74 L m-2 h-1), which was ~2.98 times that of the pristine PA membrane; meanwhile, the sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) rejection rate was 96.11%. The sterilization rates of the TFN-Ag membrane against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were 99.55% and 99.52%, respectively. Thus, this facile strategy simultaneously improved the permeability and antibacterial property of PA NF membranes.

Photocatalytic production of H2O2 and its in situ sterilization over Zn-based ZIFs materials

In situ generation of H2O2 by photocatalyst with sterilization is an environmentally friendly method. In this work, we prepared three kinds of Zn-based ZIFs materials, i.e., MAF-6, ZIF-11 and ZIF-71, and systematically investigated their application in the area of photocatalytic H2O2 production, and antibacterial efficiency. It is found that MAF-6 had the best ability of generate H2O2 (1005 μmol h-1g-1), 1.6 times more than ZIF-11, while ZIF-71 produced almost no H2O2. The sterilization rate of MAF-6 against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli can reach 97% and 91% in 3 h, respectively. It is worth noting that the more photo-generated reactive oxygen species (∙OH and ∙O2-) are produced, the better sterilization effect. This work provides new material and insights into photocatalytic sterilization by in situ H2O2 generation.

AIE Bioconjugates for Accurate Identification and In Vivo Targeted Treatment of Bacterial Infection Based on Bioorthogonal Reaction.

Targeted killing multidrug-resistant bacteria with high efficiency is urgently needed for the treatment of infection with minimal collateral damage. Herein, a new near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence nanoprobe is designed and synthesized with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) features, which also is excellent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generator. The as-prepared AIE nanoparticles (NPs) present outstanding sterilizing rate on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and kanamycin-resistant Escherichia coli (KREC). Meanwhile, considering the differences in the surface structure of animal cells and bacteria, a non-invasive image-guided strategy for precise treatment of bacterial infection has been successfully implemented based on bioorthogonal reaction which can perform and control unnatural chemical reactions inside living organisms. The AIE NPs are thus specifically trapped on the bacterial surface while not on the normal cells, realizing real-time tracking of the infected site distribution in vivo and guiding photodynamic therapy (PDT) for eliminating bacteria in inflammation region. That significantly improves the accuracy and sterilization rate of bacterial-infected wounds with negligible side effects. The investigation developed a potential antibacterial agent and also provides an instructive way for targeting treatment based on bioorthogonal reaction.

Preparation of highly efficient antibacterial non-woven by facile plasma-induced graft polymerizing of DADMAC

The development of surface modification technology for temperature sensitive fibers has been a huge challenge. In this work, a novel technique based on cold plasma treatment was developed for the preparation of anti-bacterial polypropylene (PP) fibers. The results showed that plasma treatment introduced a rough surface and polar groups, which acted as the anchor point and initiators for diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC) graft-polymerization. The fabricated PP membranes presented a high bacterial sterilization rate, as well as excellent adhesion force and washing durability. After ultrasonic treatment for 30 min, the physical coating sample had lost anti-bacterial effect, while the plasma grafted sample still showed a sterilization rate of 91.67%. This work provided a clean and novel DADMAC grafting method and it is also applicable for anti-bacterial material fabrication.

Development and evaluation of an intelligent UVC sterilization system for raw aquatic food production

AbstractRaw aquatic food is regarded as an important source of proteins. However, the presence of various bacteria can increase the risk of disease in humans. As a result, a crucial step in the processing of aquatic products is the disinfection of raw aquatic food. An intelligent ultraviolet c radiation (UVC) sterilization system was established and evaluated in this study. On the automated production line, the UVC lamp's sterilization intensity can be automatically adjusted to achieve intelligent sterilization of the various aquatic product categories. The system was implemented and evaluated for oyster surface sterilization experiments in the production line. The quality indicators of oysters, such as volatile salt nitrogen content and aerobic bacterial count, were measured before and after sterilization. The average sterilization rate of the intelligent system is 96.4%. The results showed that the system had an excellent sterilization effect and improved the shelf life of aquatic products.

Study on the sterilization effect of plasma jet and plasma activated water on Streptococcus mutans

To explore the effects of plasma jet (PJ) and plasma activated water (PAW) on the sterilization of Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans) and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods, so as to provide a basis for plasma treatment of dental caries and to enrich the treatment means of dental caries, an atmospheric pressure plasma excitation system was built, and the effects of PJ and PAW on the sterilization rate of S. mutans and the changes of temperature and pH during treatment were studied under different excitation voltage ( U e ) and different excitation time ( t e ). The results showed that in the PJ treatment, the difference in the survival rate of S. mutans between the treatment group and the control group was statistically significant ( P = 0.007, d=2.66) when U e = 7 kV and t e = 60 s, and complete sterilization was achieved at U e = 8 kV and t e = 120 s in the PJ treatment. In contrast, in the PAW treatment, the difference in the survival rate of S. mutans between the treatment group and the control group was statistically significant ( P = 0.029, d = 1.71) when U e = 7 kV and t e = 30 s, and complete sterilization was achieved with PAW treatment when U e = 9 kV and t e = 60 s. Results of the monitoring of temperature and pH showed that the maximum temperature rise during PJ and PAW treatment did not exceed 4.3 °C, while the pH value after PAW treatment would drop to a minimum of 3.02. In summary, the optimal sterilization parameters for PJ were U e =8 kV and 90 s < t e ≤ 120 s, while the optimal sterilization parameters for PAW were U e = 9 kV and 30 s< t e ≤ 60 s. Both treatment methods achieved non-thermal sterilization of S. mutans, where PJ required only a smaller U e to achieve complete sterilization, while at pH < 4.7, PAW only required a shorter t e to achieve complete sterilization, but its acidic environment could cause some chemical damage to the teeth. This study can provide some reference value for plasma treatment of dental caries.

Sources of Russia's economic advance

Subject. This article analyzes the securities market, banking system and the peculiarities of money circulation in Russia. Objectives. The article aims to determine the areas of financial policy that are most important for ensuring economic growth in Russia. Methods. For the study, I used a correlation analysis. Results. The article finds that cash in circulation forms the basis of the financial system of Russia. It reveals the need to increase the rate of sterilization of the money supply due to a significant increase in domestic borrowing and/or a decrease in wages of the population. Government bonds and non-financial organizations account for the largest share in the debt structure on debt securities. Conclusions. The results of the study can be used to identify the principal risks for the financial system of Russia.

EPH33 The Female-to-Male Surgical Sterilization Ratio As Another Indicator of the Gender-Equity Gap

The literature shows female sterilization is safer (has less complications) and at least as effective, if not more, in preventing unwanted pregnancies. The objective of this study was to analyze female-to-male sterilization rates by region in Colombia, as an indicator of a health-related gender gap, using data from SISPRO, the official database, which registers 500 million patient contacts per year, almost 3 million of which are classified as surgical procedures.

Trends in female sterilisations in New South Wales, 2010-2019.

Female sterilisation remains a common contraceptive method in many countries. The aim is to analyse the recent changes in the incidence of female sterilisation in New South Wales (NSW). Data were obtained from the NSW Admitted Patients Data Collection for all female patients who had undergone one of the five sterilisation procedures in a public or private hospitals in NSW during 2010 and 2019. Denominators for calculating sterilisation rates were estimated using census and other population data. The number of sterilisation cases dropped from 3407 in 2010 to 2561 in 2019, and the sterilisation rate declined from 22.6 per 10 000 females aged 20-49 in 2010 to 15.4 in 2019. Incidence was at its peak in the 35-39 age group in both years. Indigenous females had higher sterilisation rates than non-Indigenous females born in Australia or overseas. While some foreign-born females had higher sterilisation rates than for those who were in Australia or overseas on average their rates were lower than those who were born in Australia or overseas. There was a clear socio-economic gradient such that females living in the most disadvantaged areas had much higher sterilisation rates than those living in the least disadvantaged areas. The Indigenous, ethnic and socio-economic differences in sterilisation rates persisted in both years of this study. Although fertility rates in NSW changed little over the 10-year interval a steady decline in sterilisation occurred, consistent with other forms of contraception (particularly long-acting reversible types) increasing concurrently in popularity.