Addressing sexuality and sexual health with migrants. Practice guidelines

Abstract

Sexual health is an integral part of overall health and should be discussed with all people who seek help. The Vaccination and Prevention working group of the French Infectious Diseases Society (SPILF) and the Migrant Commission of the French AIDS Society (SFLS) developed recommendations to address this issue with migrants presenting vulnerability factors. After defining sexual health and target migrants, practical recommendations were issued. Sexual health can be discussed simply with migrants or people with an immigrant background. Some migrants are exposed to sexual vulnerability due to their migration route, social isolation, administrative and housing insecurity, gender inequalities, and discrimination. Situations of sexual vulnerability, sexual violence, and female genital mutilation should be systematically identified and followed by appropriate care that respects the migrant's needs. Extended screening for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) should be systematically offered as part of a "migrant health checkup" and completed, if necessary, with information on preventing tools for HIV, STIs, unwanted pregnancies, and sexual violence. In this population, it is important to check if vaccinations are up to date. Sexology and addiction counselling is sometimes useful. The specific needs of LGBTQIA+ people with an immigrant background should be taken into account.

Keywords: HIV; Migrants; PrEP; Sexual health; Sexual violence.