Sexual and reproductive health of newly-arrived asylum-seeking women: a cross-sectional survey in Finland

BackgroundAsylum-seeking women have an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, sexual and gender-based violence, unwanted pregnancies, maternal illness and death. This study examined sexual and reproductive health issues among asylum-seeking women in Finland in 2018. The acceptability of asking questions on sexual health was also evaluated.MethodsData from the Asylum Seekers Health and Wellbeing Survey were used. Women aged 18-50 (n = 278) were included in the analysis and grouped to four categories based on their country of birth. Register information on sex, age group, country of birth, and place of residency was obtained from the Finnish Immigration Service and used in the calculations of analysis weights. Weighted percentages with 95% confidence intervals (Cl) were calculated for sexual activity, the use of contraceptives, female genital mutilation/cutting, pregnancies, previous births, miscarriages, induced abortions and menstrual health. The differences between the groups were compared using the chi-square test. The acceptability was examined based on nonresponse in each question about sexual health.ResultsAmong women from the other African countries (excl. North Africa), 21% (95% Cl 10.4-38.9%) had had six or more sexual partners within the past 12 months. Majority of women (62%, 95% CI 39.9-79.7%) from the 'other countries' and 51% (95% Cl 34.1-68.2%) from the other African countries had not used contraceptives during their latest intercourse. Female genital mutilation/cutting was reported by 30% (95% Cl 18.7-45.2%) of women from the other African countries. A total of 10% (95% Cl 6.6-13.9%) of all women and 25% (95% Cl 14.3-39.2%) of those from other African countries were pregnant at the time of study. Moreover, 35% (95% CI 25.5-46.0%) of the women from Russia and former Soviet Union had had at least one induced abortion. Nonresponse varied between 7 and 17%, being the highest in the questions about the gender of the sexual partner(s) and contraceptive use among women from Middle East and Africa.ConclusionIt is both acceptable and important to cover sexual and reproductive health when assessing the health of asylum-seeking women. The sensitivity of this topic must be considered when planning data collection.