Barriers to sexual and reproductive health information among young Black women in the USA: caregiver and structural influences.

Abstract

Young Black women in the USA face systemic barriers to accessing accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, relying on peers or the internet due to inadequate education and cultural biases. This reliance can lead to SRH misinformation. This study aimed to identify the barriers they encountered in obtaining SRH information. A qualitative approach was used to collect data from 37 young Black women aged 18-22, and 32 caregivers from Connecticut. Participants were divided into five focus groups and asked questions related to SRH education, accessibility, and needs. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed significant gaps in SRH education. Schools provided basic reproductive anatomy lessons, but failed to provide comprehensive information on STI prevention, healthy relationships, and contraceptive use. Cultural and familial beliefs influenced conversations with trusted adults in conservative households where discussions of sexual activity were avoided, in favour of abstinence. Young Black women frequently turned to peers or the internet to supplement their SRH information. This research lays the groundwork for further exploration of SRH disparities and development of solutions to empower young black women's SRH.