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Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Needs of Refugee Women Exposed to Gender-Based Violence: The Case for Trauma-Informed Care in Resettlement Contexts

Author

Listed:
  • Cherra M. Mathis

    (College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • Jordan J. Steiner

    (Independent Researcher, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA)

  • Andrea Kappas Mazzio

    (Independent Researcher, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA)

  • Meredith Bagwell-Gray

    (School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA)

  • Karin Wachter

    (School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA)

  • Crista Johnson-Agbakwu

    (T.H. Chan Medical School, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA 01655, USA)

  • Jill Messing

    (School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA)

  • Jeanne Nizigiyimana

    (Valleywise Center for Refugee & Global Health, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA)

Abstract

This paper assesses literature regarding the sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) needs of resettled refugee women who experienced gender-based violence (GBV) and trauma-informed care (TIC) principles utilized among SRH service providers. A systematic search identified relevant studies published between 2000 and 2021; no articles found reflected both SRH and TIC principles among refugee women. The search was therefore separated into two aims: to review the literature about SRH needs for refugee women in resettlement countries who experienced GBV (Aim 1) and to examine the use of TIC principles in SRH care among women who experienced GBV (Aim 2). Thematic analysis of the articles identified key themes. Twenty-six articles were included in the analysis across both aims (Aim 1 = 8, Aim 2 = 18). Aim 1 articles shared three factors shaping the SRH needs of resettled refugee women: the centrality of violence and trauma; structural barriers to SRH care; and actions, practices, and resources for service providers. Aim 2 articles illustrated seven key principles of TIC used in SRH service provision, such as empowerment; trauma-specific services and integrated care; connection; safety; collaboration; identity culture and context; and trustworthiness. Resettled refugee women’s experiences of violence necessitate trauma-informed SRH health care. While there is limited peer-reviewed literature regarding TIC-SRH care for refugee women, the findings regarding the SRH needs of refugee women and the findings regarding the implementation of TIC in SRH collectively frame recommendations for how SRH can be infused with TIC. An example from practice, in the form of the Refugee Women’s Health Clinic, is included as an exemplar of TIC SRH principles in action for the health of resettled refugee women who have survived gendered violence.

Suggested Citation

  • Cherra M. Mathis & Jordan J. Steiner & Andrea Kappas Mazzio & Meredith Bagwell-Gray & Karin Wachter & Crista Johnson-Agbakwu & Jill Messing & Jeanne Nizigiyimana, 2024. "Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Needs of Refugee Women Exposed to Gender-Based Violence: The Case for Trauma-Informed Care in Resettlement Contexts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(8), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:8:p:1046-:d:1452674
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shahimi, Farnaz & Block, Karen & Alisic, Eva, 2024. "Sense of identity among young people with refugee backgrounds: A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    2. Kachingwe, Olivia N. & Anderson, Kent & Houser, Carla & Fleishman, Jamie L. & Novick, Julia G. & Phillips, Danielle R. & Aparicio, Elizabeth M., 2019. "“She was there through the whole process:” Exploring how homeless youth access and select birth control," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 277-284.
    3. Georgia Michlig & Nicole Warren & Merry Berhe & Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, 2021. "Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting among Somali Women in the U.S. State of Arizona: Evidence of Treatment Access, Health Service Use and Care Experiences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-15, April.
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