Barriers to and facilitators of South Asian immigrant adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health services in Canada: A qualitative study
Abstract
Data on immigrant access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Canada typically focus on adult populations, but not adolescents specifically. To fill this gap, this study explored South Asian immigrant adolescents’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators for SRH care and services in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Focus groups identified barriers included fear of stigma and judgment, lack of information about the healthcare system, lack of privacy and youth-friendly SRH services, lack of comprehensive sexuality education, lack of trust of online SRH information, and language barriers. Facilitators included SRH information classes at school, parental support, and provision of free services. South Asian immigrant adolescents expressed their need for more inclusive and relevant sexual health education, more support from parents and teachers with adequate and evidence-based SRH information and effective communication strategies to enhance communication with adolescents, and more youth-driven integrated health promotion programs to allow them to make informed choices. Their voices and perspectives are useful in informing inclusive and youth-centered sexual health education at home, in school, and in the community.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
Results cannot be generalized to all South Asian youth or all immigrant youth in general, across different intersectional social locations
Integration timeline: immigrants not defined
Key findings:
Barriers to sexual and reproductive health service access were: fear of stigma & judgement, lack of info on Canadian healthcare system, lack of privacy, lack of youth friendly SRH services, lack of comprehensive sex education, lack of trust in online SRH resources, and language barriers
Facilitators to sexual and reproductive health service access were: SRH info classes at school, parental support, and free services.
Key recommendations:
Develop and implement youth-friendly SRH education to reach younger youth before they become sexually active.
Increase integration between primary care providers, education in schools and sexual health clinics to make services more accessible.
Create supports for teachers and parents regarding sex and SRH education for their youth.
Community organizations: n/a
Key populations: South Asian adolescents in Edmonton
Location: Edmonton, AB
Open access: No