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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

Author

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  • Tinashe Dune

    (School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
    Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • David Ayika

    (School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Jack Thepsourinthone

    (School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Virginia Mapedzahama

    (School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
    Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia)

  • Zelalem Mengesha

    (Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
    Uniting Care, North Parramatta, NSW 2151, Australia)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Tinashe Dune & David Ayika & Jack Thepsourinthone & Virginia Mapedzahama & Zelalem Mengesha, 2021. "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," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:3:p:1341-:d:491703
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Salant, Talya & Lauderdale, Diane S., 2003. "Measuring culture: a critical review of acculturation and health in Asian immigrant populations," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(1), pages 71-90, July.
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