However, in recent decades, young people have become more independent, moving away from the family home before marriage. Low levels of education mean that they are still over-represented in production process work and labouring. This may involve long hours of standing on concrete floors, in dusty and poorly ventilated conditions, with a risk of work-related accidents. Awareness of women's health issues among Italian migrant women tends to be poor, with low rates of women having a Pap test, breast examination or a mammogram, or even having heard of these screening measures. They may only seek services for serious illness, not for screening.
Younger women appear to have increased knowledge.
There is lower use of the contraceptive Pill in Italian born women than Australian born. However the average family size is similar. However, there may be pressure within Italian families to eat as part of social occasions, and not eating can be seen as rejection of Italian culture. The young Italian woman gains no support for dieting, as a bit of extra weight is seen as a sign of good health. Meals can become a cause of tension in the family.