Female sexual dysfunction among migrant and refugee women compared to australian born women: advancing equity and inclusion in sexual health
1
1 School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
2
2 Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
3
3 Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
4
4 Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Sexual and reproductive health is a global health priority, yet inequities persist among women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) profoundly impacts quality of life but remains understudied in these groups. In multicultural societies such as Australia, understanding how migration, education, income, and culture shape sexual health is critical for equity and inclusion.1,2
METHODS:
A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 among women aged 18 to 49 years living in Australia, including 421 migrant and refugee women from low and middle income countries and 447 Australian born women. Data were collected through an online survey using the Female Sexual Function Index. Multivariable logistic regression assessed sociodemographic predictors of FSD, defined as a score below 26.55.3
RESULTS:
Overall, 52.2 percent of women experienced FSD, with similar prevalence among migrant and refugee women (49.9 percent) and Australian born women (54.4 percent). Among migrant and refugee women, tertiary education reduced odds of FSD (adjusted OR 0.44, 95 percent CI 0.21–0.93), while low household income increased odds (adjusted OR 3.12, 95 percent CI 1.20–8.08). Women originating from North Africa and the Middle East were at heightened risk (adjusted OR 9.71, 95 percent CI 1.67–56.46).
CONCLUSIONS:
FSD is highly prevalent across diverse populations in Australia, yet risk factors differ by migration background. Findings highlight the need for culturally informed and equitable sexual health strategies that address education, income, and cultural diversity. Promoting inclusion and sustainability in sexual health requires dismantling structural barriers and ensuring that all women, regardless of origin, can access appropriate care.1,2
Sexual and reproductive health is a global health priority, yet inequities persist among women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) profoundly impacts quality of life but remains understudied in these groups. In multicultural societies such as Australia, understanding how migration, education, income, and culture shape sexual health is critical for equity and inclusion.1,2
METHODS:
A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 among women aged 18 to 49 years living in Australia, including 421 migrant and refugee women from low and middle income countries and 447 Australian born women. Data were collected through an online survey using the Female Sexual Function Index. Multivariable logistic regression assessed sociodemographic predictors of FSD, defined as a score below 26.55.3
RESULTS:
Overall, 52.2 percent of women experienced FSD, with similar prevalence among migrant and refugee women (49.9 percent) and Australian born women (54.4 percent). Among migrant and refugee women, tertiary education reduced odds of FSD (adjusted OR 0.44, 95 percent CI 0.21–0.93), while low household income increased odds (adjusted OR 3.12, 95 percent CI 1.20–8.08). Women originating from North Africa and the Middle East were at heightened risk (adjusted OR 9.71, 95 percent CI 1.67–56.46).
CONCLUSIONS:
FSD is highly prevalent across diverse populations in Australia, yet risk factors differ by migration background. Findings highlight the need for culturally informed and equitable sexual health strategies that address education, income, and cultural diversity. Promoting inclusion and sustainability in sexual health requires dismantling structural barriers and ensuring that all women, regardless of origin, can access appropriate care.1,2
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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