“We just keep it to ourselves” : A qualitative exploration of the sexual and reproductive health information needs of immigrant adolescents in Canada

Adolescence represents a critical phase of development, marked by sexual maturity and the development of lifelong behaviours. Immigrant adolescents in Canada encounter barriers that prevent them from accessing services and taking measures to improve their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). These barriers often stem from limited knowledge regarding SRH, cultural views about SRH education, and a lack of dedicated resources for immigrant and marginalized populations. The authors aimed to explore the information needs of immigrant adolescents related to their SRH in Canada. They used a community-based participatory action research study design to collaborate with adolescents and established adolescent advisory groups (AAGs). In partnership with AAGs, they conducted qualitative interviews and focused group discussions with immigrant adolescents in Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver ( n = 58). Through thematic analysis, the authors identified patterns in the data and categorized our findings into two broad themes: (a) adolescents’ knowledge to promote SRH and well-being and (b) informational and service access needs related to SRH. The authors found that although immigrant adolescents had a foundational grasp of SRH topics, they often encountered barriers to expanding their knowledge and managing their SRH issues. The findings reflect that immigrant youth in Canada require support, informational resources, and culturally appropriate SRH education to promote their SRH and rights. Their gaps in knowledge highlight the significance of addressing their informational needs and emphasize the development of evidence-based targeted solutions to improve access to SRH information and resources.