Article type
Abstract
"Background: Despite the global commitment to inclusivity and reduction of inequality outlined in the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals(SDG), sexual satisfaction remains overlooked within the migrant and refugee population, constituting 1 in 7 of the global population. This is especially critical given the vulnerability of these communities to various obstacles impacting sexual and reproductive health(SRH), including language barriers, socio-cultural beliefs, limited resources, and inadequate knowledge. Notably, discussions on sexual well-being are often marginalized within the broader context of SRH, despite its significant influence on happiness and quality of life.
Objective: To explore the status of sexual function among women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, based on the definition of female sexual dysfunction. The research aims to identify gaps in existing evidence, thereby contributing to the development of more robust methodologies for evidence production.
Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review was conducted utilizing databases such as Medline, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane, along with grey literature, without any limitations. Utilizing Covidence software, two authors screened and extracted data from included studies. A thematic analysis was performed, and the results were reported descriptively.
Results: Initially, we identified 5615 studies and ultimately included 12 studies. The review identified a limited body of research using various unvalidated tools. These studies yielded heterogeneous results: migrant women reported less sexual knowledge, experience, and liberal attitudes, resulting in lower rates of desire and arousal compared to non-migrants. Some studies showed lower sexual function in migrants, while others found no significant differences between migrants and non-migrants. The assimilation into Western cultures may influence migrants’ sexual attitudes and behaviours.
Conclusion: The study underscores the imperative for a comprehensive approach to sexual health, recognizing the marginalise communities. This review serves as a foundation for co-designing and evaluating policies addressing sexual health inequities. By prioritizing neglected populations, the study advocates for sustainable and culturally-sensitive interventions and policies, aiming to reduce sexual health disparities experienced by migrants. This research emphasizes the importance of recognizing sexual health as an integral aspect of the broader SRH framework, aligning with the overarching commitment to the 2030 SDG.
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Objective: To explore the status of sexual function among women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, based on the definition of female sexual dysfunction. The research aims to identify gaps in existing evidence, thereby contributing to the development of more robust methodologies for evidence production.
Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review was conducted utilizing databases such as Medline, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane, along with grey literature, without any limitations. Utilizing Covidence software, two authors screened and extracted data from included studies. A thematic analysis was performed, and the results were reported descriptively.
Results: Initially, we identified 5615 studies and ultimately included 12 studies. The review identified a limited body of research using various unvalidated tools. These studies yielded heterogeneous results: migrant women reported less sexual knowledge, experience, and liberal attitudes, resulting in lower rates of desire and arousal compared to non-migrants. Some studies showed lower sexual function in migrants, while others found no significant differences between migrants and non-migrants. The assimilation into Western cultures may influence migrants’ sexual attitudes and behaviours.
Conclusion: The study underscores the imperative for a comprehensive approach to sexual health, recognizing the marginalise communities. This review serves as a foundation for co-designing and evaluating policies addressing sexual health inequities. By prioritizing neglected populations, the study advocates for sustainable and culturally-sensitive interventions and policies, aiming to reduce sexual health disparities experienced by migrants. This research emphasizes the importance of recognizing sexual health as an integral aspect of the broader SRH framework, aligning with the overarching commitment to the 2030 SDG.
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