Understanding Access to and Utilisation of Sexual Health Services by South Asian Immigrant Men in Western Countries: A Scoping Review

J Immigr Minor Health. 2020 Jun;22(3):621-633. doi: 10.1007/s10903-020-00981-z.

Abstract

South Asian communities comprise one of the fastest growing populations in Western countries. However, the sexual health of immigrant men in particular remains vastly understudied and little is known about how and if men access these services. Four multi-disciplinary electronic databases were searched to between 1998 and 2018. The search yielded 586 articles; 407 duplicate articles were removed, and 376 did not meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 10 articles were included in this review. Herein we report the factors shaping sexual health service access and use, namely: (1) cultural and psychological factors; (2) sexual health service accessibility; (3) personal beliefs and patterns in service use; (4) social perspectives and conflicting values on sexual health. We identify the gaps in research needed for policymakers, formal healthcare providers, and South Asian community stakeholders to develop effective and inclusive sexual health programs for South Asian men in Western countries.

Keywords: Access and utilization; Sexual health services; South Asian men; Western countries.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asia / ethnology
  • Asian People / ethnology*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reproductive Health Services*