Migrant and Refugee Youth’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: A Scoping Review to Inform Policies and Programs

Abstract

Objectives: Migrants and refugee youth (MRY) in Western nations are less likely to participate in sexual reproductive health (SRH) services. Consequently, MRY are more likely to encounter adverse SRH experiences due to limited access to and knowledge of SRH services. A scoping review was conducted to examine MRY’s understanding of and the implications for inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programs and policies.Methods: A systematic search of literature across seven academic databases was conducted. Data were extracted following Partners for Dignity and Rights’ Human Rights Assessment framework and analysed using the thematic-synthesis method.Results: 38 literature (peer-reviewed, 24 and grey, 14) were considered eligible for inclusion. The findings highlighted significant barriers and the under-implementation of SRHR support and services by MRY. Key policy implications include a need for programs to support MRY’s SRHR education, diversity, equity and inclusiveness and privacy protections.Conclusion: The review shows that the emerging evidence on MRY SRHR suggests gaps in practices for resourcing policies and programs that promote sustainable SRH for vulnerable populations. Policies for MRY’s SRHR should prioritise programs that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion with targeted education and community resourcing strategies for sustainability.

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

“…The study highlighted the importance of improving healthcare providers’ awareness and culturally safe SRHR services for migrant youth. In line with our findings, Tirado et al (2022) and Aibangbee et al (2023) note that navigating SRHR within new societies can be particularly challenging for MRY without professional support that understands the unique needs and complex issues MRY navigate daily.…”

“…Language barriers, a well-documented issue among migrant and refugee populations, further intensify the challenge, inhibiting MRY’s ability to understand and engage with SRHR services (Aibangbee et al, 2023; Botfield et al, 2017; Gray et al, 2021; Mengesha et al, 2017). This communication difficulty complicates MRY’s chosen acculturation strategy and most likely results in social isolation and misunderstanding of crucial information about SRHR, exacerbating health risks (Gray et al, 2021).…”

“…The lack of comprehensive SRHR education in the school curriculum reiterated at the microsystem level, is a systemic educational barrier that negatively impacts MRY’s understanding of and access to SRHR information and services (Aibangbee et al, 2023; Napier-Raman et al, 2023; Villa-Torres & Svanemyr, 2015). Various research including Villa-Torres and Svanemyr’s (2015) work consistently demonstrates the significant impact of SRH education on promoting safer sexual practices and mitigating health risks, as evidenced by our findings.…”