Sexual and Reproductive Health Care for Irregular Migrant Women: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Data

Abstract

Migratory movements are a political, social, and public health issue on a global scale. Access to sexual and reproductive health services for irregular migrant women (IMW) is a public health issue. The aim of this study is to identify qualitative evidence of IMW’s experiences of sexual and reproductive health care in emergency and primary care settings. The methods employed involve conducting a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Synthesis includes assembling and categorising findings based on similarity in meaning. The search was conducted between January 2010 and June 2022 using PubMed, WOS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and SCIELO databases. Out of the initial pool of 142 articles identified, only 9 fulfilled the predetermined criteria and were subsequently included in the review. Four main themes were established: (1) the need to focus emergency care on sexual and reproductive health; (2) unsatisfactory clinical experiences; (3) forced reproduction; and (4) alternating between formal and informal healthcare services. The attitudes of IMW towards sexual and reproductive health are influenced by culture, educational level, fear, barriers, and the attitude of healthcare providers. Healthcare institutions need to be aware of the IMW’s experiences to understand the specific difficulties they face. IMW calls for socially and culturally sensitive health care, cultural mediators, improved communication, and safe environments that ensure confidentiality.