Reflections from Refugee Adolescent Girls on Participation in a US-Based Teen Sexual Health Promotion Project.

Abstract

Refugee girls may be unprepared for the sexual risk challenges facing teens in the US. We sought to understand refugee girls' general experience, discussions with parents and motivations related to participation in an evidence-based sexual risk reduction program. Through semi-structured interviews with twelve girls ages 15-17years from nine countries, we acquired insight into the girls' reactions to the program, if they had discussed their experiences, and reflections on their decision to participate. Qualitative analysis of verbatim transcriptions identified three themes: (1) my cultural norm is not to ask; (2) groups were a safe way for me to learn and share; and (3) I learned to use my voice. As the numbers of adolescent refugees grow, we cannot ignore their need for tailored sexual health research and programming. This first-of-its-kind study provides insight into acceptability, motivation for participation, and impact of a sexual health promotion program.