Culture, Health and Sexuality
Volume 14, Issue 8, 2012, Pages 911-924

Hidden yet visible: Methodological challenges researching sexual health in Sudanese refugee communities (Article)

Dean J.* , Wollin J. , Stewart D. , Debattista J. , Mitchell M.
  • a School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Australia
  • b Quality and Research Unit, Wesley Mission, Chermside, Australia
  • c School of Public Health, Griffith University, South Brisbane, Australia
  • d Sexual Health and HIV Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
  • e School of Nursing and Midwifery, Research Centre for Clinical and Community Practice Innovation, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia

Abstract

Research addressing sensitive topics with people from small, minority, ethnic communities can present challenges that are difficult to address using conventional methods. This paper reports on the methodological approach used to explore sexual health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among the Sudanese community in Queensland, Australia. The multiphase, mixed-method study involved young people 16 to 24 years of age participating in a written survey and semi-structured interview and focus-group discussions with the broader Queensland Sudanese community members. Community collaboration, the key factor to the success of this research, optimised the development of a research environment that built trust and facilitated access and subsequent understanding. Research conducted in partnership with the target community can address methodological challenges and produce meaningful information when researching sensitive topics with small but 'highly-visible' populations. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

sexual health Sudanese refugees Hidden populations Australia

Index Keywords

information processing Communication Barriers refugee Interpersonal Relations health promotion Australia psychological aspect methodology sexual education human communication disorder Refugees statistics health service Cultural Competency ethnology cultural competence Health Services Needs and Demand human relation Sex Education Young Adult Humans Trust Adolescent male female Article adult health care quality Quality Assurance, Health Care Reproductive Health Queensland attitude to health Focus Groups Sudan
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84866451929&doi=10.1080%2f13691058.2012.709639&partnerID=40&md5=623c6ef8a5ce0535f347cc5545cc682b
DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2012.709639
ISSN: 13691058
Cited by: 8
Original Language: English