How can community-based organizations be involved in the contraception care pathway for newcomer youth? Results of knowledge translation workshops

Abstract

Objective

Despite being a basic right of all individuals, many newcomer youth in Canada face challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH), including contraception care. Settlement service providers are a trusted source for newcomers in the community, and we explored their role in supporting equitable access to SRH.

Methods

We conducted an integrated knowledge translation (IKT) intervention involving two workshops and the development of an infographic to explore the barriers and opportunities for settlement service organizations to participate in the SRH care pathway for newcomer youth.

Results

SRH and contraception topics arise when youth access other services, such as violence prevention and mental health programming. Lack of training and resources limits their ability to support youth. Workshop participants expressed interest in training and resources and identified opportunities to strengthen the referral pathways to support youth's access to SRH.

Conclusion

Providing resources and training can bolster settlement service providers' awareness of newcomer youth's SRH needs and improve their capacity to support them with information.

Innovation

Our work identified settlement service providers as important in strengthening the SRH care pathway for newcomer youth. We demonstrated the need and opportunity to reach newcomer youth with SRH information by providing training and resources to settlement service providers.