Health Disparities
Beyond Borders: The Intersection of Migration, Culture, and Female Sexual Dysfunction Negin Mirzaei Damabi* Negin Mirzaei Damabi Mumtaz Begum Jodie Avery Salima Meherali Zohra Lassi
Introduction and objectives:
Australia’s diverse migrant population necessitates a deeper understanding of migrant health needs, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) significantly impacts quality of life, yet evidence on its prevalence and associated factors among migrant women in Australia is limited. This study aimed to explore FSD prevalence among migrant women from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) residing in Australia, compare FSD prevalence between migrant and Australian-born women, and examine socio-demographic factors associated with FSD in both groups.
Method(s) and sample:
This national survey included reproductive-aged women (N=868), comprising migrant women from LMICs (N=421) and Australian-born women (N=447). Participants were recruited through quota sampling via the Qualtrics online platform. The study employed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.
Results:
FSFI domain comparisons revealed significant differences between migrant and Australian-born women, migrant women reported significantly better overall sexual function (24.98 ± 7.18 vs. 23.57 ± 0.96, p=0.01). Longer relationships were negatively associated with sexual function, while religious affiliation showed a significant impact on sexual dysfunction compared to no religious affiliation. Logistic regression analysis highlighted those high-income migrants had higher odds of better sexual function (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.10-4.66) compared to low-income migrants. Regarding religion, non-religious Australian showed higher odds (OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.12-9.32) compared to religious ones.
Discussion and recommendations / Conclusion:
This pioneering study highlighted the need for tailored interventions considering socioeconomic status and cultural background, providing a foundation for further research on the intersections of migration, culture, and sexual well-being. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of sexual health in Australia’s multicultural context, promoting overall well-being and quality of life for all women.