Relationship Between the Sources of Sexual Reproductive Health Messages and the Sexual Agency of Second-Generation Migrant Ottawa Women: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The development of sexual agency in young women is essential. Adolescence can be a confusing time for many youths as they are forging their way into adulthood. This confusion can be especially difficult for second generation migrants (SGM), a group that are often faced with different cultural spheres when discussing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics. This exploratory retrospective study examined the relationship between their cultural affiliations, the sources of SRH provided to SGM girls during adolescence (10-17 years old) and their subsequent level of sexual agency (18-24 years old) as young adults. The sources examined were parents, siblings, friends/peers, teachers and the media. Sexual agency was measured using the Sexual Assertiveness Questionnaire (SAQ) and the Sexual Affect Scale. A small sample of 105 respondents participated in the online survey. The participants reported the media to be their highest-ranking source of actual SRH messages and friends/peers as their preferred source. SRH messages provided by parents and friends/peers were significantly negatively correlated with the overall sexual agency of the participants. The results also present the individual associations between the 14 statements for each of the sources and the sexual agency of the participants. Not being ready for sex was the most cited reason for abstinence and was significantly positively associated with sexual agency.