Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40877934›Full record

ArticleInternational journal for equity in health2025

Redefining intimacy: a qualitative study on sexual function experiences and perspectives among migrant and refugee women in South Australia.

Negin Mirzaei Damabi, Jodie C Avery, Mumtaz Begum, Salima Meherali, Zohra S Lassi

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in International journal for equity in health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Negin Mirzaei DamabiSchool of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
Jodie C AveryRobinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia.
Mumtaz BegumLife Course and Intergenerational Health Research Group, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
Salima MeheraliFaculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Zohra S LassiSchool of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia. zohra.lassi@adelaide.edu.au.

Funding

Jodie Avery Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) PHRDI000014Negin Mirzaei Damabi International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Research GrantZohra Lassi (#GNT2009730) is on the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Emerging Leadership 2 (EL2) Fellowship
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSexual function is a fundamental aspect of sexual health, yet migrant and refugee women from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) often face unique challenges in navigating intimacy and sexual function post-migration. While sociocultural norms, migration-related stressors, and healthcare access influence their experiences, yet these perspectives remain underexplored.

methodsThis qualitative exploratory study explored the perspectives and experiences of sexual function among first-generation migrant and refugee women from low- and middle-income countries residing in South Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 reproductive-aged cisgender heterosexual women from diverse cultural backgrounds, recruited through multiple culturally appropriate approaches including community organisations supporting migrant and refugee populations and online outreach via the purpose-built RISE website. Although multilingual support and professional interpreters were available, all participants opted to be interviewed in English. Interviews were conducted by a trained qualitative researcher with shared migrant background, and reflexive, inductive thematic analysis guided by social constructivist epistemology was used to identify key influences on sexual health and intimacy.

resultsParticipants reported that cultural norms, sociocultural expectations, and migration-related stressors shaped their sexual experiences. Many described difficulties in navigating cultural taboos, communication barriers, and limited access to culturally sensitive healthcare services. Conversely, while migration provided opportunities for increased sexual autonomy, self-discovery, and improved partner communication, deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and emotional struggles continued to impact their sexual well-being.

conclusionsThe findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive, gender-appropriate sexual health services and the removal of financial, linguistic, and systemic barriers to healthcare access. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organisations play a crucial role in fostering inclusive environments that support migrant and refugee women's sexual health and well-being.

Indexed as

RefugeesSexual BehaviorSexual HealthTransients and MigrantsAdultFemaleHealth Services AccessibilityHumansInterviews as TopicMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchSouth AustraliaYoung AdultMigrantRefugeeSexual functionWomen

Identifiers

PMID40877934
PMCPMC12392635

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.