Between cultures and traditions

A qualitative investigation of sexual and reproductive health experiences of immigrant adolescents in Canada

Bibliographic Data

ID7151242
AuthorsSalima Meherali (0000-0002-8132-8600, University of Alberta, corresponding author), Amyna Ismail Rehmani (0000-0003-4434-8941, University of Alberta), Mariam Ahmad (0009-0002-2893-6946, University of Alberta), Samar Kauser (0000-0002-4295-2777, University of Alberta), Piper Scott Fiddler (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia), Paula Pinzon-Hernandez (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia), Zeba Khan (0000-0001-9616-7654, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia), Sarah Flicker (0000-0001-6202-5519, York University), P Okeke-Ihejirika (0000-0002-1012-4539, University of Alberta), Bukola Salami (0000-0003-1030-0464, University of Alberta), Eleni Stroulia (0000-0002-8784-8236, University of Alberta), Ashley Vandermorris (0000-0002-6976-8590, University of Toronto), Josephine Pui-Hing Wong (0000-0002-8262-7725, Humanwell Healthcare Group (China)), Josephine Wong (0000-0002-0767-9680, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex), Wendy Norman (0000-0003-4340-7882, University of British Columbia), Shannon Scott (0000-0003-2717-8725, University of Alberta), Shannon D Scott (0000-0002-2251-3742, University of Alberta), Sarah Munro (0000-0002-3884-6592, University of Washington)
Year2025
Volume27
Issue12
Pages1533-1549
Publication date2025-12-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691058.2024.2436677
PMID39648708
OpenAlexW4405199602
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited34

Immigrant adolescents in Canada face challenges accessing accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services. Many challenges stem from taboos associated with SRH, cultural and religious restrictions, and social beliefs regarding the unnecessity of SRH education for adolescents. We explored the SRH experiences of immigrant adolescents in the context of their cultural and religious perspectives. We engaged adolescents as collaborators and active participants in the research process. With the support of an Adolescent Advisory Group (AAG) and community partners, we conducted qualitative interviews with immigrant adolescents in Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver (n = 58). Through thematic analysis, we identified three broad themes: (1) ‘What’s really happening?’ Experiencing body changes from puberty to adulthood; (2) ‘It’s something that’s shameful’: Encountering myths, misperceptions, and norms about SRH; and (3) ‘I’ll be there for you’: Navigating family and digital resources for support. Our findings highlight the specific SRH challenges faced by immigrant adolescents in Canada, such as differences between cultural values, and communication barriers within families. Dealing with SRH matters is dependent on education, family readiness, and personal values attached to these topics. Programmes must focus on engaging cultural and religious preferences and tailoring interventions to adolescents’ needs

Focus group · Immigration · Political science · Population · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Reproductive health · Social science · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Gender Studies · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology