Sexual and reproductive health service utilisation of adolescents and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in high-income settings: a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES)
Humaira Maheen
A C , Kate Chalmers A , Sarah Khaw A and Celia McMichael B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia.
B School of Geography Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, 203 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: humaira.maheen@unimelb.edu.au
Sexual Health 18(4) 283-293 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH20112
Submitted: 26 June 2020 Accepted: 1 June 2021 Published: 20 August 2021
Journal Compilation © CSIRO 2021 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Young people with migrant or refugee backgrounds from low- and middle-income countries settle in high-income countries and tend to underutilise sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This review aimed to explore perceptions and experiences of SRH services and the factors that shape their use among migrant youth. It focuses on qualitative studies that examine SRH service use among young migrants living in high-income countries. Seven peer-review databases and web-based grey literature were searched using pre-determined search criteria. The review includes 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) method was used to synthesise findings. Thematic analysis resulted in five main themes and 11 sub-themes. Findings suggest that despite diversity of countries of origin and host countries, there were considerable similarities in their perceptions of and experiences with SRH services. Some young migrants reported experiences of discrimination by service providers. Cost of care was a deterrent to SRH service use in countries without universal healthcare coverage. Lack of information about SRH services, concerns about confidentiality, community stigma around sexually transmitted infections and premarital sex were key barriers to SRH service use. Health systems should integrate flexible service delivery options to address access barriers of SRH service use in young migrants. Engagement with parents and communities can help to destigmatise sexual health problems, including STIs. Host countries need to equip young migrants with the knowledge required to make informed SRH decisions and access relevant SRH services and resources.
Keywords: adolescents, health service use, migrants, qualitative evidence synthesis, refugees, sexual and reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections, young people.
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