Determinants of Protective Healthcare Services Awareness among Female Syrian Refugees in Turkey

Sexual health challenges in migrant, immigrant, and displaced populations 2022-2023

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews recently published research on sexual health challenges and HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among migrant, immigrant and displaced people (MIDP) worldwide. We aimed to identify current evidence gaps regarding HIV/STI epidemiology, sexual health needs and interventions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Incidence and prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and syphilis were higher among MIDP compared to host populations. However, research studies are limited in geographical distribution and few routine surveillance data are collected. Barriers to sexual health services use and participation in preventive interventions include low HIV/STI symptom knowledge and risk awareness, and intersectional experiences of stigma/discrimination. Better targeted promotion messages are needed to increase utilization of preventive sexual health interventions.

SUMMARY

Access to, and use of, sexual health services and interventions are evident needs among MIDP. These needs are intertwined with social determinants of health, including cultural/language barriers and stigma. Effective interventions require involvement of multiple stakeholder groups, encouraging engagement and providing social protection. Promising directions for interventions and further research include developing sexual health supportive environments through peer-strategies and provider training in trauma-informed care.

Vaccine Uptake and COVID-19 Frequency in Pregnant Syrian Immigrant Women

Immigrants have difficulties in the use of essential health services such as vaccinations. Vaccine uptake among pregnant immigrant women is very low. The aim of the study was to examine the vaccination status of pregnant immigrant women who received health services in an immigrant health center (IHC) affiliated to primary health care institutions. The research is a retrospective-designed cross-sectional type of study. The study sample consists of pregnant Syrian women who received health care from the strengthened IHC of a District Health Directorate in Istanbul between August 2020 and 2022. Age, trimesters, number of pregnancies, high-risk pregnancy status, vaccination dates and status against influenza, COVID-19 and tetanus, and vaccine types of COVID-19 were evaluated. The statistical significance level was determined as p < 0.05. None of the pregnant women had received the influenza vaccine. Of the women whose tetanus vaccine data were evaluated, 29.7% had received at least two doses of the tetanus vaccine. Of the pregnant women, 19.4% were vaccinated against COVID-19 with a minimum two doses and 4.2% had a COVID-19 infection during their pregnancy. None of the women with the COVID-19 infection were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine uptake of pregnant immigrant women is very low. Public health interventions are needed to improve vaccination coverage among disadvantaged groups.