The sexual and reproductive health knowledge and access of refugees and asylum seekers

Abstract

In 2022, the UNHCR reported that the global displacement crisis forced over 10 million individuals to flee their homes, marking the highest yearly increase ever recorded. Among these, 5.7 million were from Ukraine and 4.4 million from other countries including Afghanistan and Venezuela (UNHCR, 2022). The surge in displacement, driven by ongoing and new conflicts, has led to significant health risks among displaced populations. These include mental health issues, malnutrition, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases (World Health Organization, 2018). Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is particularly impacted, with displaced individuals often facing compromised SRH including higher risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and poor maternal health (McGinn et al., 2011). Despite the increase in global displacement, research on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of displaced populations is relatively new, with available studies being separate qualitative and quantitative investigations. Consequently, this research aims to explore SRH knowledge and access among refugees and asylum seekers by employing a systematic literature review to gather and consolidate relevant disaggregated studies. The methodology of this study includes a comprehensive search across four databases: PubMed, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete, and MEDLINE Complete. Additionally, critical thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software to ensure that the findings aligned with the research objectives. The findings revealed that financial constraints and lack of affordable health insurance are common barriers to accessing SRH services among refugees and asylum seekers. Cultural and language barriers further hinder effective communication and utilization of these services, contributing to insufficient SRH knowledge and negative health outcomes. Furthermore, legal barriers in healthcare access further deter refugees and asylum seekers from seeking care, exacerbating the challenges of accessing essential SRH services. Many refugees have limited knowledge of SRH topics such as STIs, contraception methods, and pregnancy danger signs, often due to varying education levels and predisplacement settings. Contrastingly, peer support and community networks have been found to play a crucial role in improving health literacy and encouraging healthcare engagement during resettlement. The study revealed the need for targeted interventions to enhance SRH knowledge and access among displaced populations including cultural sensitivity training for healthcare professionals and increased access to SRH information through community programs. Additionally, there is a significant gap in data on men’s SRH needs, highlighting the need for future research to address this deficiency and improve access and knowledge. Policymakers are urged to consider these findings to ensure that SRH services are accessible, culturally sensitive, and adequately resourced. Addressing these barriers through understanding the lived experiences of refugees and asylum seekers can significantly improve health outcomes and contribute to their overall well-being and integration into host communities.