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

PurposeMigrants 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 MRYs SRHR. MethodsA 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 MRYs 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. ResultsThe 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. ConclusionThere is limited consideration of MRYs SRHR and the impact of intergenerational discordance and stigma on MRYs rights. The findings suggest the necessity for a collaborative SRHR strategy and policy design that empowers MRYs agency across multicultural contexts.