Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Youth with Chronic Conditions: A Scoping Review
1
Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Youth with chronic conditions, including epilepsy, congenital heart disease (CHD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), face unique sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. Limited access to comprehensive, age-appropriate information, inconsistent counselling, and systemic inequities contribute to suboptimal outcomes. Despite its importance, evidence examining informational, clinical, and structural factors affecting SRH is limited. This review maps existing literature, identifies barriers and facilitators, and highlights gaps in youth-centred SRH.
METHODS:
This review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and grey literature were conducted for studies up to October 2025. Twenty-one studies on SRH of youth aged 15–24 with epilepsy, CHD, or SLE in Canada and the US were included. Screening used Covidence by three independent reviewers. Data were extracted in Word and analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis. The protocol is registered on OSF (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5SWTY ).
RESULTS:
Most studies were quantitative and clinic-based. Youth reported unmet SRH information needs, especially regarding contraception, pregnancy planning, and condition-specific reproductive risks, with counseling often delayed or inconsistent. Barriers included limited provider guidance, stigma, fear of disease- or medication-related complications, fragmented care, transition gaps, and socioeconomic inequities. Facilitators included youth-centred, accessible, condition-specific education, clear guidance on reproductive options, and multidisciplinary care. Research gaps remain, including limited inclusion of males and underrepresentation of diverse populations.
CONCLUSIONS:
SRH remains insufficiently addressed among youth with chronic conditions. Youth-centred, comprehensive, accessible SRH strategies, inclusive research, equitable policies, and integrated care are critical to improving reproductive outcomes.
Youth with chronic conditions, including epilepsy, congenital heart disease (CHD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), face unique sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. Limited access to comprehensive, age-appropriate information, inconsistent counselling, and systemic inequities contribute to suboptimal outcomes. Despite its importance, evidence examining informational, clinical, and structural factors affecting SRH is limited. This review maps existing literature, identifies barriers and facilitators, and highlights gaps in youth-centred SRH.
METHODS:
This review followed Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and grey literature were conducted for studies up to October 2025. Twenty-one studies on SRH of youth aged 15–24 with epilepsy, CHD, or SLE in Canada and the US were included. Screening used Covidence by three independent reviewers. Data were extracted in Word and analyzed using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis. The protocol is registered on OSF (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5SWTY ).
RESULTS:
Most studies were quantitative and clinic-based. Youth reported unmet SRH information needs, especially regarding contraception, pregnancy planning, and condition-specific reproductive risks, with counseling often delayed or inconsistent. Barriers included limited provider guidance, stigma, fear of disease- or medication-related complications, fragmented care, transition gaps, and socioeconomic inequities. Facilitators included youth-centred, accessible, condition-specific education, clear guidance on reproductive options, and multidisciplinary care. Research gaps remain, including limited inclusion of males and underrepresentation of diverse populations.
CONCLUSIONS:
SRH remains insufficiently addressed among youth with chronic conditions. Youth-centred, comprehensive, accessible SRH strategies, inclusive research, equitable policies, and integrated care are critical to improving reproductive outcomes.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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