Access to Reproductive Healthcare: Experiences of Women from the African Great Lakes Region Living in Sydney

Nadine Umutoni Wa Shema, Adelaide Nyinawingeri, Ange Anitha Irakoze, Heather Worth, Ilse Blignault

Research output: Book/Research ReportResearch report

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Abstract

Migrants and refugees often face challenges in accessing healthcare in Australia. Recent decades have seen a significant increase in the number of arrivals from Africa. The African population originates from countries with very different cultures, languages and traditions. The aim of this research was to gather information on reproductive healthcare experiences of women from three countries in the African Great Lakes Region (Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo), with the findings used to inform the design of culturally responsive services. Understanding and addressing barriers to access is crucial to meeting the reproductive health needs of this new and emerging community.

The main focus of this report, Study 1, was conducted in November and December 2015 and involved in-depth interviews with 13 women from the Great Lakes Region living in South Western Sydney. The interviews, which were conducted by female researchers with a medical background and in the participant's preferred language (Kirundi/Kinyarwanda, Swahili or English), explored the spectrum of reproductive health issues including family planning, cancer screening and maternity care. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: language barrier, healthcare experience and racial discrimination. In April 2024, Study 1 themes and recommendations were presented to three focus groups of women comprising 16 participants from the same community to see if they continued to have relevance for informing health service improvements (Study 2). While Study 2 participants endorsed the earlier findings, there was greater emphasis on primary care, mainly the lack of or reduced availability of bulk-billing GPs. Empowering women to address their health needs and the advocacy role of community organisations were also emerging themes.

Facilitating migrant and refugee women's access to individualised, culturally responsive and trauma-informed reproductive health services and information is essential for their overall health and wellbeing and successful settlement and integration. This research has addressed a gap in the literature relating to the experiences of women who come from African Great Lakes Region. The study findings confirm previous research on access to reproductive healthcare, including preventive and clinical services, among African women in Australia. They reinforce the importance of working on both the supply-side (service provider) and demand-side (service user) determinants of access. In addition to dismantling barriers, it is important to reinforce factors associated with positive healthcare experiences.

Achieving equitable access to healthcare for new migrants and refugees requires a systems approach, with a role for settlement services, health services and community organisations. Based on the literature and our study findings, we have identified the following recommendations for improving access to reproductive healthcare for women from the African Great Lakes Region.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationPenrith, N.S.W.
PublisherWestern Sydney University
Commissioning bodyGreat Lakes Agency for Peace and Development
Number of pages36
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

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