Iranian Migrants’ Lived Experiences of Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Services in Western Australia: A Conventional Content Analysis

Abstract

A positive approach towards sexual health should be considered in the policymaking process. There are different obstacles to migrants’ access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services (SRHS). The broad objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences (barriers and enablers) of Iranian migrants in accessing healthcare services for their reproductive and sexual health needs in Western Australia (WA). The study, which was conducted between June and November 2016, qualitatively addressed two main questions: “What are Iranian migrants’ experiences of accessing healthcare services (public and private) for their reproductive and sexual health needs?” and “What barriers and enablers do Iranian migrants experience in accessing healthcare services and information for their reproductive and sexual health needs?” The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 Iranian adult migrants (seven women and three men), who lived in WA for more than 12 months (< 20 years). The data were evaluated using conventional content analysis. The participants described six major themes: “feeling of being insufficient,” “seeking information,” “seeking trust, credibility, safety, and confidentiality,” “unfavorable experiences,” “facing pre-established beliefs and feelings,” and “seeking Iranian sexologists”. Iranian migrants faced many barriers in accessing SRHS in WA; accordingly, there is a need for addressing these barriers in the Iranian migrant community of Australia. Health professionals and healthcare systems must be appraised with respect to the migrants’ needs. Policymakers need to prioritize the education of both healthcare providers and receivers, to facilitate equitable access to SRHS.