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. 2024 Sep 18;21(1):134.
doi: 10.1186/s12978-024-01879-x.

Socioecologies in shaping migrants and refugee youths' sexual and reproductive health and rights: a participatory action research study

Michaels Aibangbee  1   2 , Sowbhagya Micheal  3   4 , Pranee Liamputtong  5 , Rashmi Pithavadian  6 , Syeda Zakia Hossain  7 , Elias Mpofu  8   9   10   11 , Tinashe Dune  4
Affiliations

Socioecologies in shaping migrants and refugee youths' sexual and reproductive health and rights: a participatory action research study

Michaels Aibangbee et al. Reprod Health. .

Abstract

Objective: This study explores socioecological factors facilitating the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) experiences of migrant and refugee youth (MRY) in Greater Western Sydney, Australia. MRY may be at higher risk for poorer SRH outcomes due to cultural, linguistic, and systemic barriers.

Methods: Using participatory action research, 17 focus groups were conducted with 87 MRY aged 15-29 from diverse cultural backgrounds. Data were analysed thematically, using socioecological framework.

Results: Key facilitators of MRY's SRHR were identified at the microsystem and exosystem levels, including (1) Peer dynamics and support, with friends serving as trusted confidants and sources of advice; (2) Safety and contraceptive choices, highlighting the importance of access to contraception and STI prevention; and (3) Digital platforms for SRHR information access, with online resources filling knowledge gaps.

Conclusion: Findings suggest the need for SRHR interventions to leverage peer support networks, expand access to contraceptive options, and develop culturally appropriate digital resources for MRY. Further research is needed to identify and enhance facilitators across all socioecological levels to comprehensively support MRY's SRHR needs.

Keywords: Digital health; Migrant and refugee youth; Migrant health empowerment; Multicultural health policy; Peer support networks; Sexual and reproductive health and rights; Socioecological framework.

Plain language summary

Migrants and refugee youth often struggle to access sexual and reproductive health information and services in their new countries. This study is an attempt to understand what helps young migrants and refugee maintain their sexual and reproductive health and rights in Greater Western Sydney, Australia. Our aim was to identify the positive factors in their environment that make it easier for them to access and use sexual health resources. We talked to 87 migrants and refugee youth aged 15–29 from various cultural backgrounds, conducting 17 group discussions about their experiences with sexual health. Our main results show three important factors that help these young people. The results were, that (1) Many young people trust their friends for advice and information about sexual health, (2) Having choices about contraception and ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections was important, and (3) The internet, especially social media and search engines, is a major source of sexual health information for young people. Understanding these helpful factors can guide better support for young migrants and refugees. It shows sexual health programs need to use peer support in sexual health programs, make sure young people can easily access contraception and protection and create trustworthy online resources about sexual health that are culturally appropriate. Our findings show more research is needed to find other ways to support young migrants and refugees with their sexual and reproductive health. This will help create better health services and education programs for these young people.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological framework
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological framework: facilitators of sexual and reproductive health and rights in migrant and refugee youth (Sydney, July 2023)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Cyclical dynamics of SRHR empowerment in MRY (Sydney, January 2024)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

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