Sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Chinese international students studying abroad (in Australia, the UK and the US): a scoping review
Arabella Mundie
A D , Mattea Lazarou A , Amy B. Mullens B , Zhihong Gu C and Judith A. Dean A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Public Health, University of Queensland, 266 Herston Road, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia.
B School of Psychology & Counselling, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, 11 Salisbury Road, Ipswich, Qld 4305, Australia.
C Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ), 253 Boundary Street, West End, Brisbane, Qld 4101, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: a.mundie@uq.edu.au
Sexual Health 18(4) 294-302 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH21044
Submitted: 1 March 2021 Accepted: 11 June 2021 Published: 17 August 2021
Abstract
International students within Australia are disproportionately affected by adverse sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. Chinese international students represent the majority of international students in Australia, and a large proportion of students in other high-income countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, making them an important priority group. However, the SRH issues of this priority group have received little attention from international researchers. This review provides an overview of global studies surrounding the SRH knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Chinese international students studying abroad. Ten articles were deemed relevant and findings from both the qualitative and quantitative data synthesis were categorised into six codes: (1) knowledge; (2) sources of information; (3) attitudes; (4) behaviours; (5) barriers; and (6) recommendations. The findings provide valuable understanding to inform the development of targeted, culturally sensitive and inclusive health promotion initiatives and policies. It is recommended that further research is conducted in this field to reduce evident health disparities.
Key words: Australia, culture, health services, higher education, overseas student, health promotion, university student, sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing.
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