A Qualitative Analysis on the Reproductive Health Needs of Afghan Refugees in South Texas

  • Mikaela Grace Miller UT Health San Antonio School of Medicine
  • Andrew Jeffery UT Health San Antonio School of Medicine
  • Cameron Matthew Holmes UT Health San Antonio School of Medicine
  • Fatima Dollar UT Health San Antonio School of Medicine
  • Matthew Robert Moran UT Health San Antonio School of Medicine
  • Heidi Worabo UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing
  • Fatima Safi Center for Refugee Services
  • Sanaullah Safi Center for Refugee Services

Abstract

Objective. To assess the reproductive health perspectives and needs of Afghan refugee men and women living in South Texas to inform the development of community-driven, culturally-sensitive, evidence-based local interventions.

Methods. Two gender-specific focus groups of married, reproductive-aged Afghan refugees (7 female and 5 male participants) in Texas were conducted in 2018. The study team performed a phenomenological qualitative analysis on de-identified transcripts of the discussions to identify themes and patterns as related to family planning and reproductive health in this population.

Results. Four themes were discovered including challenges of resettlement in the United States, gender preferences, navigation of family planning decisions, and barriers to reproductive healthcare.

Conclusions. Participants agreed on the importance of addressing reproductive health needs in their community. They also expressed interest in reproductive health education and improved access to contraception at local community clinics. A comprehensive initiative addressing reproductive healthcare should be specifically designed and allow flexibility as values evolve over time in response to circumstances such as resettlement.

Published
2021-10-18