The Role of Culture and Religion on Sexual and Reproductive Health Indicators and Help-Seeking Attitudes amongst 1.5 Generation Migrants in Australia: A Quantitative Pilot Study.

Tinashe Dune,David Ayika,Virginia Mapedzahama,Zelalem Mengesha,Jack Thepsourinthone

doi:10.3390/ijerph18031341

Abstract

In Australia, 1.5 generation migrants (those who migrated as children) often enter a new cultural and religious environment, with its own set of constructs of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), at a crucial time in their psychosexual development—puberty/adolescence. Therefore, 1.5 generation migrants may thus have to contend with constructions of SRH from at least two cultures which may be at conflict on the matter. This study was designed to investigate the role of culture and religion on sexual and reproductive health indicators and help-seeking amongst 1.5 generation migrants. An online survey was completed by 111 participants who answered questions about their cultural connectedness, religion, sexual and reproductive health and help-seeking. Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to analyse the data. There was no significant difference between ethnocultural groups or levels of cultural connectedness in relation to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking attitudes. The results do suggest differences between religious groups in regard to seeking help specifically from participants’ parents. Notably, participants who reported having ‘no religion’ were more likely to seek help with sexual and reproductive health matters from their parent(s). Managing cross-cultural experiences is often noted in the extant literature as a barrier to sexual and reproductive health help-seeking. However, while cultural norms of migrants’ country of origin can remain strong, it is religion that seems to have more of an impact on how 1.5 generation migrants seek help for SRH issues. The findings suggest that 1.5 generation migrants may not need to adapt their religious beliefs or practices, despite entering a new ethnocultural environment. Given that religion can play a role in the participants’ sexual and reproductive health, religious organizations are well-placed to encourage young migrants to adopt help-seeking attitudes.

Highlights

The results indicate that stronger identification with one’s family positively correlates with seeking help from an intimate partner, a doctor, community leaders, and seeking no help
The results indicate significant positive correlations between a strong identification with one’s country of origin and seeking help from an intimate partner, parents, a sexual health clinic, the Internet, and a doctor
Other studies highlighted that culture as a significant factor in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) help-seeking [6]; the findings of this study suggest that 1.5 generation migrants are not influenced by culture to the same extent as their older counterparts [14]

Summary

Introduction

In Australia, over 27% of Australians were born overseas, and another 20% have at least one parent born overseas. Australia has committed to the resettlement of over. 12,000 new refugees and net overseas migration contributes to over 60% of Australia’s total population growth [1]. Australia provides a rich case study of a migrant-receiving country undergoing rapid transformation. While other countries are experiencing similar changes, Australia has a comparatively rich range of visa schemes and a rapidly increasing overall intake of migrants.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion