Barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrant and refugee youth: An exploratory socio-ecological qualitative analysis

Abstract

Purpose Migrants and refugee youths’ (MRY) sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is a global health issue. MRY tend to encounter adverse SRH experiences because of their limited access to and knowledge of SRHR services. Using a socioecological framework, this study examined the barriers affecting MRY’s SRHR. Methods A cross-sectional study utilising a participatory action research design was used. 87 MRY (ages 16-26, from 20 different cultural groups living in Greater Western Sydney, Australia) participated in the study and completed seventeen focus group discussions on MRY’s experiences of SRHR. Focus groups were co-facilitated by youth project liaisons for authenticity and validity. The data were analysed thematically and interpreted using socioecological theory. Results The findings identified socioecological barriers such as lack of awareness and access to services, sociocultural dissonance, and under-implementation of SRHR services. These barriers include cultural disconnects, language barriers, remote service locations, intergenerational cultural conflicts, and ineffective SRHR services. Key themes included traditional and institutional stigma, lack of SRH education, reliance on social media for SRH information and privacy concerns. Conclusion There is limited consideration of MRY’s SRHR and the impact of intergenerational discordance and stigma on MRY's rights. The findings suggest the necessity for a collaborative SRHR strategy and policy design that empowers MRY's agency across multicultural contexts.