Purity, Privacy and Procreation: Constructions and Experiences of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Assyrian and Karen Women Living in Australia

Ussher, Jane M.; Rhyder-Obid, Michelle; Perz, Janette; Rae, Merelyn; Wong, Tim W. K.; Newman, Paul Douglas

doi:10.1007/s12119-012-9133-6

Cited by 108 publications

(97 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…On the one hand, some participants experienced significant difficulty integrating new cultural values. As noted by Dune et al [11] challenges may surface as migrants try to make meaning of and establish value sets which are congruent with their identity, beliefs and experiences (see also [10]). On the other hand, others found it relatively easy to make a choice between which SRH constructs to retain, absorb, integrate or reconstruct (see also [33]).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…SRH is of particular note as many cultures have quite clear ideologies about sexuality, sexual behaviour and thus SRH [10]. Research indicates that when migrants feel bound to constructions of SRH as per their ethnic origins they may not utilise SRH services [8, 9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Research indicates that when migrants feel bound to constructions of SRH as per their ethnic origins they may not utilise SRH services [8, 9]. Migrants may perceive these services to be inappropriate or that seeking such services would be perceived of negatively by their cultural group [10]. For migrants arriving from countries with very different cultural, ethnic and religious values and beliefs to those in Australia the process of adapting constructions, understandings and experiences of sexuality often results in a number of challenges [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Culture Clash? Investigating constructions of sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of 1.5 generation migrants in Australia using Q methodology

et al. 2017

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BackgroundIn Australia, those who migrate as children or adolescents (1.5 generation migrants) may have entered a new cultural environment at a crucial time in their psychosexual development. These migrants may have to contend with constructions of sexual and reproductive health from at least two cultures which may be at conflict on the matter. This study was designed to investigate the role of culture in constructions of sexual and reproductive health and health care seeking behaviour from the perspective of 1.5 generation migrants.MethodsForty-two adults from various ethno-cultural backgrounds took part in this Q methodological study. Online, participants rank-ordered forty-two statements about constructions of sexual and reproductive health and health seeking behaviours based on the level to which they agreed or disagreed with them. Participants then answered a series of questions about the extent to which their ethnic/cultural affiliations influenced their identity. A by-person factor analysis was then conducted, with factors extracted using the centroid technique and a varimax rotation.ResultsA seven-factor solution provided the best conceptual fit for constructions of sexual and reproductive health and help-seeking. Factor A compared progressive and traditional sexual and reproductive health values. Factor B highlighted migrants’ experiences through two cultural lenses. Factor C explored migrant understandings of sexual and reproductive health in the context of culture. Factor D explained the role of culture in migrants’ intimate relationships, beliefs about migrant sexual and reproductive health and engagement of health care services. Factor E described the impact of culture on sexual and reproductive health related behaviour. Factor F presented the messages migrant youth are given about sexual and reproductive health. Lastly, Factor G compared constructions of sexual and reproductive health across cultures.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated that when the cultural norms of migrants’ country of origin are maintained it has a significant influence on how 1.5 generation migrants construct, experience and understand various aspects of sexual and reproductive health. Policy makers, health care professionals and resettlement service providers are advised to engage with migrant parents and youth in exploring, discussing, reframing and reconstructing SRH in an Australian context.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Culture Clash? Investigating constructions of sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of 1.5 generation migrants in Australia using Q methodology

et al. 2017

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“…Cultural and religious differences between a migrant's country of origin and that of immigration are linked with reduced help-seeking behaviour across a range of health outcomes (3) and especially with regard to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) (4). SRH may be of particular note as many cultures and religions have quite clear ideologies about sexuality, sexual behaviour, and thus SRH (5,6). Given this reality, research indicates that when migrants feel bound to constructions of SRH as per their ethnic origins or religious doctrines they may not utilize SRH services.…”

Section: The Role Of Culture and Religion In Constructions Of Srhmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Given this reality, research indicates that when migrants feel bound to constructions of SRH as per their ethnic origins or religious doctrines they may not utilize SRH services. Migrants may perceive them to be inappropriate for their needs or that seeking such services would be perceived of negatively by their cultural or religious group (especially if strong ties are still present) thus tainting their sociocultural identity as well (6). This type of sociocultural clash may be intensified for 1.5 generation migrants who may be culturally and/or religiously from two worlds and may thus be conflicted about how to seek help for their SRH needs while at the same time maintaining the values.…”

Section: The Role Of Culture and Religion In Constructions Of Srhmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking behaviour amongst 1.5 generation migrants in Australia: A quantitative pilot study

Dune

Ayika

Thepsourinthone

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: 1.5 generation migrants in Australia (those who migrate as children) often enter a new cultural and religious environment, with its own set of constructs of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), at a crucial time in their psychosexual development—puberty/adolescence. 1.5 generation migrants may thus have to contend with constructions of SRH from at least two cultures which may be at conflict on the matter. This study was designed to investigate the role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking behaviour amongst 1.5 generation migrants.Methods: 111 participants completed an online survey which included questions about their cultural connectedness, religion, sexual and reproductive health and help-seeking behaviour. Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyse the data. Results: There was no significant difference between ethnocultural groups or levels of cultural connectedness in relation to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking behaviours. The results do suggest differences between religious groups in regards to seeking help specifically from young peoples’ parents. Notably, youth who reported having ‘no religion’ were more likely to seek help with sexual and reproductive health matters from their parent(s). Conclusions: Managing cross-cultural experiences are often noted in extant literature as a barrier to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking. However, while cultural norms of migrants’ country of origin can remain strong it is religion that seems to have more of an impact on how 1.5 generation migrants seek help for SRH issues. This suggests that while 1.5 generation migrants may need to adapt to a new ethnocultural environment little about their religious beliefs or practices may require adaptation in Australia. Given that religion can play a role in young peoples’ sexual and reproductive health religious organisations are well placed to encourage young people’s help-seeking behaviours.

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‘If I'm not sick, I'm not going to see the doctor’: Access to preventive sexual and reproductive health care for Karen women from refugee backgrounds living in Melbourne, Australia—A qualitative study

Davidson,

Hammarberg,

Fisher

2024

Health Prom J of Aust

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Issue AddressedWomen from refugee backgrounds have poorer health outcomes than host country populations. People from Myanmar, most of whom are from the Karen ethnic minority constitute one of the largest groups of humanitarian visa entrants to Australia since 2015. Barriers to and enablers of preventive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for this group of women are poorly understood. The objective is to establish the preventive SRH care needs and experiences of Karen women from refugee backgrounds living in Australia.MethodsA qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews was conducted with a purposive sample of Karen women. A bi‐cultural worker assisted in recruitment and interpreting during data collection. All interviews were conducted in Karen language with a bi‐cultural worker interpreting into English during the interview. Audio recordings of English dialogue were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and report data.ResultsThirteen women were interviewed. Five major themes were identified: (1) prevention awareness including lack of access to education and knowledge of services pre‐arrival; appreciation of the new health system; limited vaccination knowledge, (2) perceived need for prevention including consequences of not screening; health care provider (HCP) attendance, (3) health information seeking including providing a comprehensive approach to information delivery; trusted sources of information, (4) barriers including missed opportunities; communication, language, illiteracy; lack of continuity of care and, (5) enablers including HCP’ characteristics; peer support and individual responsibility.ConclusionFindings from this study indicate that to improve access to preventive SRH services a multi‐component strategy is needed. Provision of preventive SRH information using a multi‐pronged approach; peer and community support interventions; and HCPs offering services and information opportunistically would benefit Karen women unfamiliar with preventive SRH care.So What?Primary prevention services and education codesigned with community members may be effective in improving Karen women's access to SRH care.

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Purity, Privacy and Procreation: Constructions and Experiences of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Assyrian and Karen Women Living in Australia

Cited by 108 publications

References 59 publications

Culture Clash? Investigating constructions of sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of 1.5 generation migrants in Australia using Q methodology

Culture Clash? Investigating constructions of sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of 1.5 generation migrants in Australia using Q methodology

The role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking behaviour amongst 1.5 generation migrants in Australia: A quantitative pilot study

‘If I'm not sick, I'm not going to see the doctor’: Access to preventive sexual and reproductive health care for Karen women from refugee backgrounds living in Melbourne, Australia—A qualitative study

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