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Journal article

Sexual and reproductive health and rights knowledge and learning experiences of 1.5-generation Bangladeshi women in Toronto: An intersectional analysis

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) knowledge plays a critical role in preventing risky sexual behaviours and protecting overall health. Little is known about the SRHR knowledge of 1.5-generation Bangladeshi women in Canada, an immigrant subpopulation who remain understudied in health research. Using an intersectional lens, this study explored the SRHR knowledge and learning experiences of 1.5-generation women of Bangladeshi origin in Toronto, Ontario. Ten women aged 18–22 were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Narratives were collected on several aspects of SRHR knowledge, including sex education in elementary and secondary school in Canada and sources of information. The findings revealed knowledge gaps related to STDs/STIs, methods of transmission, prevention and symptoms, and contraception. Differences in the scope of SRHR topics learnt in school were observed, and the depth of learning was not sufficient. Sex education uptake in secondary school was low. SRHR knowledge formation is multidimensional, dynamic, and interdependent in nature. Social identities such as age, ethnicity, gender, and religion intersect to shape knowledge within the larger context of culture of origin, family, school-based sexual health education, country of emigration, social interactions with peers, media, and the Internet. Knowledge gaps in critical areas of SRHR increase the risk of adverse health outcomes among young 1.5-generation Bangladeshi women. Increased monitoring at the district and provincial levels is necessary to improve the quality of sex education in schools in Toronto. Culturally appropriate community-based initiatives are recommended to address the SRHR information needs of Bangladeshi immigrant youth in Toronto.

Authors

Nowshin N; Kapiriri L; Davison CM

Journal

The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 124–137

Publisher

University of Toronto Press

Publication Date

April 1, 2025

DOI

10.3138/cjhs-2024-0015

ISSN

1188-4517

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