Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 31, Issue 4, 2010, Pages 256-264

Illegal female immigrants in the Netherlands have unmet needs in sexual and reproductive health (Article)

Schoevers M.A. , Van Den Muijsenbergh M.E.T.C. , Lagro-Janssen A.L.M.
  • a Department Primary Care and Community Care, Women S Studies Medical Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
  • b Department Primary Care and Community Care, Women S Studies Medical Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
  • c Department Primary Care and Community Care, Women S Studies Medical Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands

Abstract

Objectives.To determine the reproductive health problems of illegal female immigrants and what obstacles they experience when seeking help for these problems. Methods.One hundred illegal female immigrants in The Netherlands aged more than 18 years were provided with a structured list of common reproductive and sexual health problems. Further semi-structured interviews were conducted regarding their experiences with reproductive health facilities. Results.Obstacles accessing reproductive health facilities were frequently reported. Illegal female immigrants were not able to exercise control over their own reproductive and sexual health. The reasons for obstacles accessing reproductive health facilities include lack of information about reproductive health services and contraception, problems with paying for services, sexual and physical violence and fear of deportation. Obstacles accessing reproductive health facilities resulted in lacking or delayed pregnancy care (19 never received antenatal care), infrequent use of contraception and high abortion rates (64.9/1000). Of all interviewed women, 70 reported gynaecologic or sexual problems, and 28 reported past exposure to sexual violence. Conclusions.The reproductive health status of illegal female immigrants in The Netherlands is worrisome. There is an urgent need to empower illegal women through education. The Dutch government should make efforts to improve access to reproductive health and family planning services. © 2010 Informa UK, Ltd.

Author Keywords

sexual health Migration qualitative methods Sexual violence reproductive medicine

Index Keywords

Netherlands Abortion, Induced Reproductive Medicine female sexual dysfunction Family Planning Services gynecologic disease human violence health service screening test Health Services Needs and Demand Humans Emigrants and Immigrants female Contraception pregnancy sexual health sexual abuse Article adult human experiment health care access preventive medicine Reproductive Health abortion Sex Offenses health care facility family planning illegal immigrant Health Services Accessibility
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-78249237907&doi=10.3109%2f0167482X.2010.528090&partnerID=40&md5=a54a0964edfd77fb1b8c453a2b2c1ce7
DOI: 10.3109/0167482X.2010.528090
ISSN: 0167482X
Cited by: 12
Original Language: English